WHITTIER – About 300 community members, College and elected officials raised a record-breaking $56,000 for student scholarships and support services during Rio Hondo College Foundation’s A Taste of Rio wine and restaurant food tasting event.

The May 1 event featured savory and sweet fare from California Grill, Catering by Herach and Ara, Clearman’s Steak ‘N Stein, Edible Arrangements, Manuel’s Original El Tepeyac Café, Frantone’s, Juan Great Fiesta, La Casita Olvera, Lucky Treats, Luna Estrella, Zapien’s Salsa Grill, Seta Dine Lounge, Sodexo and Sweet Dreams.

In each of its first two years, A Taste of Rio raised about $35,000 to assist Rio Hondo students.

“A Taste of Rio is a wonderful addition to the array of programs that help support and celebrate Rio Hondo College,” said Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss. “Its contribution to our students is significant and its fostering of community among our supporters is extraordinary.”

During the event, Dreyfuss encouraged attendees to take the time to read a “Faces of Rio” display highlighting exceptional students and their stories of struggle, persistence, commitment and determination to achieve the “American Dream.”

Sponsors included: Cognoscente Level ($10,000) – Del Terra, Westberg & White Architects; Connoisseur Level Sponsor ($5,000) – Southern California Edison; Aficionado Level ($2,500) – Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Rund and Romo, Bank of the West, Keenan & Associates, Los Angeles County 4th District Supervisor Don Knabe, RBC Capital Markets and SVA Architects; Appreciator Level ($1,500) Interior Office Solutions and Vasquez & Company, LLP; Taster Level ($500) – David and Jacqueline Brearley, Lyla Eddington, Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors, Los Angeles County 1st District Supervisor Hilda Solis; PMSM Architects, Ran Graphics, Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuaries, Rio Hondo College Faculty/Staff Association and Whittier Union High School District.

PHOTO CAPTION: About 300 community members, Rio Hondo College and elected officials enjoyed the Rio Hondo College Foundation’s A Taste of Rio Hondo wine and restaurant food tasting event on May 1.