WHITTIER – “A Taste of Rio,” the signature event of the Rio Hondo College Foundation, brought in an estimated $102,000 in total donations on April 28 for student scholarships and other support services – continuing the event’s steady growth over the last three years.

Foundation officials hosted a capacity crowd of more than 500 guests at the evening wine, beer and food-tasting event atop Rio Hondo College’s hilltop campus. Figures for the event’s impact are still tentative, but early estimates indicate a substantial boost over 2016 – which in turn significantly topped all previous years.

“We are incredibly indebted to the Rio Hondo College Foundation for its growing support of our programs and students,” Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss said. “Perhaps even more significant than the financial assistance is the resounding message of community support for efforts to provide students with access to a high-quality higher education program.”

“A Taste of Rio” began in 2012, but was replaced by the College’s 50th anniversary gala in 2013 before resuming in 2014. Since then, each succeeding year has brought significant leaps in participation and in funds raised to benefit students.

Each year, the event grows. In 2016, organizers expanded the number of restaurants, added new tastings of wine, craft beer and spirits, as well as more compelling drawing prizes.

“A Taste of Rio” also included a special Fund-A-Scholarship drawing that provides scholarship funds for continuing Rio Hondo students and for students who transfer to a four-year college or universities.

PHOTOS

RHC_TASTE_1-3: A capacity crowd of more than 500 guests helped generate $102,000 in estimated donations for scholarships and other student support services at the fifth annual “A Taste of Rio” on April 28.