When Northampton Community College’s Foundation board learned in 2010 it needed to create a new funding source in order to qualify for a special matching grant, board member Mike Molewski rose to the challenge.
“We discussed it at a Foundation board meeting, and I suggested that we capitalize on Northampton’s exceptional culinary and hospitality programs with a food festival,” Molewski recalled. “It just seemed like a natural fit. And then we added wine and this is how the event evolved into the Northampton Community College Food & Wine Gala.”
Mike, a community leader and principal of CAPTRUST’s Family Office Services group in Allentown, has served as co-chairperson since its inception. CAPTRUST has been a sponsor since the start, providing strong financial support for the event.
“It’s an important fundraising opportunity because it raises money for students whose current needs may otherwise go unmet,” he said. “Thousands of students have benefited from the scholarships and we’re thrilled to be able to support it.” Since its founding this event has provided more than $2.5 million in well-deserved scholarships.
Molewski noted a strong partnership between Northampton and the Lehigh Valley business community, saying both students and businesses benefit when strong, long-standing relationships are formed. “There have been a lot of connections made between the business community and students, many have resulted in employment or other opportunities” he said.
CAPTRUST, one of the largest registered investment advisors in the country with more than $900 billion of assets, is intentional about supporting communities in which they serve.
“We understand how important it is for our offices and our people to meet the needs of the communities we’re in,” Molewski said. “Northampton is a special place that has proven to be effective in their mission. We are proud to help provide opportunities for students who otherwise may not be able to further their education.”
Founded in 1934 by 22 state employees who pooled $90 oftheir assets to fund the startup, PSECU has always operated under the philosophy of “people helping people,” according to Donna White, community manager of PSECU’s Financial Education Center at Northampton Community College.Sponsoring the Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival for the past seven years is just one way the credit union chooses to help.“
Sponsorship of the festival directly assists students at Northampton Community College, giving them the opportunity to further their educations that might otherwise have to be forfeited due to lack of financial resources,” White said. “By assisting students, we hope to help strengthen the well-being of the entire community.”
Harrisburg-based PSECU, which serves more than 480,000 members, operates financial education centers on both NCC’s Bethlehem andMonroe County campuses and offers financial wellness workshops and other resources for students. All NCC students, faculty, and staff are eligible for membership in the credit union, which provides surcharge-free ATMs, free checking, and other benefits.
“We offer financial resources that are vital to the overall development of students in our community,” White said.
NCC’s ability to provide accessible education through in-person and online classes creates opportunities for students who might have a difficult time obtaining post-secondary learning elsewhere.
“NCC makes it possible for students to learn with day, evening and weekend classes,” White said. “The community looks to NCC for opportunities that students and their parents might not otherwise have.
”She noted NCC’s wide array of program offerings and the abilities it provides for students who want to further advance their educations.
“With transfer agreements with more than 100 colleges and universities and more than 100 programs for students to choose from, the college is an important asset to this community,” she said. “PSEC is proud to support it.”
$2.5 million has been raised to help Northampton Community College students since the event's inception.
of PELL eligible students live below the poverty line.
of our students say that if NCC did not exist with affordable tuition, furthering their education would not be possible.
of our students work 30+
hours beyond the classroom.
