A Taste of Excellence, 2007

The Sierra College Foundation’s third annual “A Taste of Excellence” raised more than $170,000 for scholarships and programs at Sierra College.

More than 400 people attended the event on the evening of Saturday, April 28, which featured more than 40 fine restaurants and wineries, as well as a silent and live auction. Photos from the event.

“We are thrilled and honored by the enthusiasm for this event,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Because of the generosity of our community, we raised an amazing amount of money that will support our efforts to promote scholarships and enhance programs at Sierra College.”

The event’s title sponsor was KT Communities, with other major sponsors including J.R. Conkey & Associates, Inc., Placer Ranch, Inc., Placer Vineyards, Rabobank, N.A. and Vanir Construction Management, Inc.

Live auction items included Lasik eye surgery, a Dr. Phil VIP tour and tickets, rare wines, vacation getaways and golf packages. The one-of-a-kind items led to a lively and, at times, competitive auction, with some items bidding up to $3,000 or more.

“The event was the result of months of effort by a dedicated committee headed by Mary Conkey,” Aliabadi said. “And dozens of local business stepped forward with sponsorships, auction items and other support. We can’t thank the community enough for all the generosity help.”

Participating restaurants were A Sushi Experience, Austin’s Steakhouse, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery, Bootleggers Old Tavern and Grill, Carver’s Steaks and Chops, Crush 29, Fat’s Asia Bistro and Dim Sum Bar, Il Fornaio, Mas Mexican Food, The Melting Pot, Piatti Ristorante, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Thai Basil Restaurant, The Town Lounge Restaurant and Bar and Zinfandel Grille.

Participating wineries were Baileyana, Barnett Vineyards, C.G. Di Arie, Calix Cellars, Carl Roy, Carlo & Julian, Caymus Vineyards, Duckhorn Wine Company, Frank Family Vineyards, Godspeed Vineyards, Heitz Cellars, JAX & Y3, Ladera, Markham Vineyards, Michael Austin, Nevada City Winery, Orin Swift Cellars, Rutherford Hill, Silver Oak Cellars, Twomey Cellars and Waterstone.

"On behalf of the Foundation Board, we'd like to thank our sponsors and the event committee for their outstanding work in putting together a first-class event," said Bill Halldin, outgoing President of the Sierra College Board of Trustees. "While Sierra College demonstrates its excellence by ranking at the top of community colleges for degrees awarded, transfers to state universities and athletics, the community support for this institution truly sets us apart."

The Sierra College Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization that raises money from private donors to support students, college programs and the future of Sierra College. The Foundation gives the community the opportunity to invest in the development of quality educational opportunities. For more information, please visit www.sierracollege.edu/foundation or call 789-2920.

This elegant affair was sponsored by:

• Title Sponsor
  • KT Communities
• Platinum Sponsors
  • J.R. Conkey & Associates, Inc.
  • Placer Ranch, Inc.
  • Placer Vineyards
  • Rabobank, N.A.
  • Vanir Construction Management, Inc.
• Gold Sponsors
  • Brookfield Land
  • Halldin Public Relations
  • Hewlett-Packard Company
  • Kee Mapes & Associates
  • Roebbelen
  • SureWest Foundation
  • Turner Construction
• Silver Sponsors
  • Michael & Claudia Ankrim – Wachovia Securities
  • Dr. Barry & Simi Chehrazi
  • Clover Valley Partners
  • Crusader Fence Co. Inc., Brent & Irene Henderson
  • Granite Community Bank
  • Harris Ind. Gases, Norma M. Harris, CEO
  • Lionakis Beaumont Design Group
  • The Mechanics Bank
  • NTDSTICHLER Architecture
  • Pacific Gas & Electric
  • Placer Valley Style Magazine, formerly Roseville Granite Bay Style Magazine
  • River City Bank
  • Sierra View General Contractor
  • Sierra Vista
  • Sutter Roseville Medical Center
  • Umpqua Bank
  • WAGNER KIRKMAN BLAINE
    KLOMPARENS & YOUMANS LLP
  • Westfield Galleria at Roseville
• Pearl Sponsors
  • Auburn Placer Disposal
  • First Northern Bank
  • Johnson Schachter & Lewis
  • Lennar Communities
  • Maki Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.
  • Murray & Downs AIA – Architects, Inc.
  • Diana Nyman
  • Pottery World
  • Stockmans Bank
  • Supervisor Rocky Rockholm
  • Thomas/Ferrous, Inc.
  • Winchester Country Club

2006 event …