Flint Hills Technical College’s 21st annual Night of Inspiration Gala and Auction was once again a sold-out affair Friday night.
That was music to the ears of FHTC Vice President of Advancement and longtime gala organizer Mike Crouch.
In addition to supporting scholarships for FHTC students, the gala was expanded last year to include the Wrangler Student Crisis Relief fund following the COVID-19 pandemic. FHTC Alumni Fund Coordinator Amy Hall says the fund is an example of how the FHTC faculty truly care for their students.
Prior to the start of Friday’s live auction, guests were able to get a taste, literally, of what they were supporting as students in the FHTC Culinary Arts Department once again provide the evening’s meal. FHTC President Dr. Caron Daugherty says the gala’s incorporation of FHTC students is a great example of “what doing means” both for students and staff.
The presenting sponsor for Friday’s gala was Sauder Custom Fabrication. Vice President and HR Manager Karen Brown-Gentz says they are proud to support FHTC as the college is preparing the next generation of workforce.
She says with the notable shortage of skilled labor workers being seen across the nation, supporting technical education is of the utmost importance.
A new component of this year’s gala was the addition of valet parking courtesy of the Emporia Police Benefit Association. Emporia Police Captain Lisa Hayes says they are a “service organization” and that means serving the community in a variety of ways.
Final totals from Friday’s gala are currently pending. Totals from Friday evening will be bolstered by funds from the college’s online auction which began Monday.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News and Dominick Vortherms
