Five people in chef uniforms stand smiling behind a counter with prepared salads in a professional kitchen. A woman in the center wears no chef hat, while the others wear white hats and jackets. Kitchen equipment is visible in the background.

39. Special Event or Fundraising Campaign (Soiree)


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.