MCC's Evening of Fine Wines a Fine Success

Almost everyone enjoys a fine glass of wine, which might help to explain the enduring popularity of Manchester Community College's An Evening of Fine Wines. 

In its nineteenth year, the event is the college's largest annual fundraiser and has raised more than $1 million dollars for scholarships and athletic programs at MCC since its inception, according to school officials. 

Friday evening's event was a sellout, drawing about 700 guests, and several of the organizers speculated that it might have been the largest crowd to attend the event yet. 

“We hope to raise over $150,000 tonight, and we’re off to a great start,” said Martin Hart, associate dean of development at Manchester Community College. “I think this year is one of our top years. Fortunately the weather held off and we’re having a great event.” 

If you saw the vast spectacle of food and drink options available Friday evening, you would understand why the fundraiser takes pretty much the entire year and to plan and a veritable army of volunteers to pull off. All the wines were donated by vendors, which included over 25 wine tasting tables, as well as beer and tequila tasting stations. The food was prepared by students in MCC's Hospitality program. Webster Bank was the premier sponsor of the event and Robert M. Annon Jr., the bank's regional president, served as the 2011 honorary chair. 

“For over 75 years Webster has been giving back to the communities we serve, and we have a particular focus on helping education at all levels,” Annon said. “So when we were given the opportunity to sponsor this event, knowing that the proceeds go to assist students and their tuition, students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to avail themselves of the great education offered here at Manchester Community College, we jumped at the chance and we’re really pleased with the outcome."

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