In its fifth year, Ivy Tech Community College Northeast’s A Reason to Taste raised more than $108,000 for student scholarships and academic programs through the Ivy Tech Foundation. Donations came through corporate sponsorships, silent and live auctions, and individual donations.

For the first time in its history, A Reason to Taste was hosted at the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation.

“Hosting A Reason to Taste at the Mirro Center allowed us to spread out and give guests a truly spectacular dining experience,” says Oliver Barie, the executive director of Resource Development, which is the College’s fundraising arm. “Students do such a wonderful job with the meal, and I think everyone had an unforgettable night.”

At A Reason to Taste: The Rome of France, guests enjoyed a multi-course menu prepared by hospitality administration students who won an opportunity to study culinary arts in France this spring. Those students were winners of the College’s European Competition, hosted in January. Those students created the fundraiser’s menu based off their trip, and they cooked and served the dinner at the fundraiser.

Linda Jackson of Fort Wayne’s NBC emceed the event. Doug Wood, regional president of PNC Bank, won the evening’s Ivy Award, which is presented to someone who exhibits outstanding community service and leadership in northeast Indiana.

“The countless hours he devotes to the service of our community, his humble leadership, and his pride in northeast Indiana leave little doubt as to why he is deserving of this award,” Barie says.

Next year’s event is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 28, 2017, at the Mirro Center. Those who are interested in sponsorship opportunities and/or serving on next year’s planning committee can contact Kelli Brandenberger at kbrandenberger or 260-481-2243.