In a time of abundant economic needs, the Anoka-Ramsey Community College 2009 Scholardazzle event, an annual fundraiser sponsored by the college’s Cambridge Campus Foundation, broke previous records by raising $20,120 in total, gross revenue. After expenses, all net proceeds will provide funds for much-needed Cambridge Campus student scholarships.

The event, organized by college development director Mary Norton-Larson and many college and Cambridge Campus Foundation volunteers, drew more than 150 people and provided a spectacular evening to help local students attend college.

“It was gratifying to see so many people having fun at our scholarship fundraiser,” says Norton-Larson. “The food was plentiful and tasty, everyone enjoyed Kenny Krona and Lyle Swedeen’s music and the variety of clever auction items from our generous donors resulted in some competitive bidding.”

The success of the event, especially during these challenging economic times, underscores the tremendous generosity of the community and its firm commitment to higher education. At the $1,000 Diamond Level, sponsors included Schlagel, Inc. and Spectacular Events Banquet Center. At the $500 Emerald Level, sponsors included Grace Pointe Crossing, Knight Inspection Service, Rural American Bank, Outdoor Edge and John & Bonnie Schlagel. And at the $250 Ruby Level, sponsors included AmericInn of North Branch, Roger and Jean Anderson, Cambridge State Bank, Community Pride Bank, Jaysen Guthmueller Agency American Family Insurance, Lake State Federal Credit Union, MinnCo Credit Union, Peoples Bank of Commerce, Training Connections, Dennis and Carole Troff and Wintergreens.

Thanks to their kind donations and the support of numerous volunteers, Scholardazzle attendees enjoyed a delectable gourmet dinner at the Spectacular Events Banquet Center in Isanti. Entertainment included contemporary acoustic guitar and vocals by accomplished local musicians Ken Krona and Lyle Swedeen, a “card game” raffle and silent and live auctions of choice goods and services donated by area organizations and individuals.

Please mark your calendar now for next year’s event, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 22, 2010.

For more information about future fundraising activities or scholarships available at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, please visit foundation events or call 763-433-1968.

Mark Berg holds up the card that wins him a dazzling, multi-stone diamond necklace at the annual. Anoka-Ramsey Community College Scholardazzle scholarship fundraising event, Jan. 23.