Building on the successful 2023 rebrand of its annual gala to the Scholarship Soirée, the NCCC Foundation set ambitious goals for 2024: increase community engagement, raise critical scholarship funds, and elevate the donor experience. Guided by feedback from attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders, the team developed a strategic plan that:
- Targeted new audiences including corporate partners and community leaders
- Moved the event to a Thursday night to attract busy professionals and avoid conflicts with other galas
- Integrated immersive storytelling and student engagement to keep the mission at the forefront
The event’s outreach focused on three core groups:
- SUNY Niagara alumni, faculty, and staff – fostering ongoing connections
- Local businesses and corporate sponsors – building strategic partnerships
- Community members passionate about education – expanding the donor base
On October 17, 2024, SUNY Niagara’s Niagara Falls Culinary Institute transformed into a celebration of student success and community impact. Key highlights included:
- Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony – featuring video tributes that deepened emotional engagement and elevated the award’s prestige
- Student-led experiences – from floral design and table service to gourmet food stations, including CBD-infused creations tied to SUNY Niagara’s cannabis curriculum
- Mission in action – scholarship recipients and athletic teams engaged directly with guests, reinforcing the impact of donor support
- In-house production – all marketing materials, from sponsor packets to social media graphics, were created internally by the three-person Foundation team
The 2024 Scholarship Soirée exceeded expectations, achieving record-breaking results:
- $120,000 raised for student scholarships (+25% over 2023)
- 350+ attendees (+33% over 2023)
- $67,000 in sponsorships (+22% over 2023)
- Expenses reduced by 22% while increasing ticket revenue by $14,165
- Engaged lapsed donors and secured new corporate partnerships
Positive feedback highlighted renewed donor commitment and strengthened year-round collaboration with campus departments.
Now firmly established as SUNY Niagara’s signature fundraising event, the Scholarship Soirée blends celebration, community impact, and student-centered storytelling. The 2024 event not only delivered record-breaking scholarship support but also built a scalable event model for future growth—positioning the Foundation for continued success in advancing student achievement.
