海角直播

Publish Date: April 18, 2024

On April 18, the 海角直播 Foundation raised more than $196,000 through the generosity of attendees and sponsors of this annual fundraiser, which saw the Yucaipa-based college鈥檚 Public Safety Engine Bay turned into an island paradise for this lively event.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 thank you enough for being here and being a part of our community,鈥� said 海角直播 President Kevin Horan. 鈥淲hat we do tonight removes barriers for students, and that鈥檚 why we are here.鈥�

The evening began with a chatty reception, where guests were urged to bid for items in a silent auction that included passes to the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, gift cards to local restaurants, and experiences such as a dinner for four hosted by CHC fire cadets.

Halau O Kanahele鈥檚 group of Hawaiian folk dancers provided a spirited performance that allowed guests to experience 鈥減aradise鈥� through an indigenous Hawaiian lens.

Gala guests then heard directly from two of those most involved in the Foundation鈥檚 year-round efforts to raise funds to support its Roadrunner students: 2024 Outstanding Alumnus Damian Garcia and Paramedic Program Director Amanda Ward.

鈥淭he highlight for me is always graduation,鈥� Ward said, 鈥渁nd this college is extremely special in that it is a very rare space where in this [Public Safety] building alone [a student can] acquire all the education they need to become a career firefighter or paramedic.鈥�

But for many Roadrunners, acquiring that education is not always a walk in the park.

For example, paramedic students must often choose between concentrating on their studies or working to support themselves while they complete the rigorous program requirements in the required time. Their days are filled with classroom instruction, lab sessions, and field work. Yet, the Foundation is there to lend a boost of financial support to help get students one step closer to the finish line by removing barriers, assisting with housing and books, and funding instructional resources.

If you missed the fundraiser, you can still donate to the cause at craftonhills.edu/foundation or by contacting Michelle Riggs, CHC鈥檚 director of institutional advancement, at mriggs@craftonhills.edu or 909-389-3391.