Plano community leaders, chefs, students and volunteers came out in force to support Hendrick Scholarship Foundation during the annual signature fundraiser, TASTE 2018, hosted at Classic BMW. TASTE 2018 is a truly a party with a purpose - Serving Student Success for Life by providing Plano ISD graduates who have overcome adversity with college scholarships, academic advising, mentoring and life skills training. The event raised $100,000 to fund future scholarships and support services. Currently there are 73 in the four year program and the incoming 2018 class will be announced later in May.
TASTE 2018 was led by Plano community leader, Jean Callison alongside the host committee led by Plano ISD alumni Lesley and Barry Guinn. Surprise performances from Hendrick student, Jairo Cabrera and Plano’s own American Idol contestant, Ron Bultongez entertained guests. Celebrity Honorary Chef John Tesar joined on stage with auctioneer Phillip Pierceall and emcee Victoria Snee brought the auction to a heated close leading with a clear message about the importance of education as a cornerstone for success leaving the crowd to battle for the opportunity to be one of the first at Knife opening at The Shops at Willowbend in August. A complete photo album is available on Facebook. To download for publishing and captions use Google.
Co-founder of Hendrick Scholarship Foundation and a founding family of Plano, Rutledge Haggard honored the memory of Dr. Hendrick followed by a moving video featuring many of the Hendrick students sharing their story. More than 300 guests participated in the event with food offerings by Plano’s finest restaurants: Knife, Central Market, Seasons 52, III Forks, BULLA, Roy’s, XO Coffee, Urban Crust, Sea Breeze Market & Grill, Princi Italia, Mi Dia, Mama Jenny’s Family Diner and Union Bear Brewery.
TASTE 2018 would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors, auction donors and volunteers who provided hundreds of items to share in the raffle, silent and live auctions. Sponsors include: Dean’s List: American Standard, Classic BMW, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano; Honor Roll: Alphagraphics, Atmos Energy, BTH Bank, Frost, Huffines Auto Group, Legacy Texas, NTT Data, Orix Foundation, Plano Magazine, Sweeney Media Group, Plano Profile, Sandy & Chris Haire, Melissa and Charles Mangum, Le’Nore and C. Dan Smith. The Scholar sponsors include: Cinemark, FedEx, Gay McCall Roberts & Minett, Matthews Paradise, Moss Adams, Newcrest Image, The Shops at Willow Bend, Debra and Barry Benton, Jean and Glenn Callison, Susan and Rutledge Haggard, Judge Sue Holland, Primera Companies, Joan and Berk Smith and in memory of Enid and Michael Pappas.
Host committee members include: Missy and Doug Bender, Chris and David Downs, Susan and Rutledge Haggard, Ann and Ray Huffines, Allie and Mark Jacobs, Judy and Robert Lee, Sharon and Johnny Lewis, Jenna and Casey Maynard, Amy and Jack Medford, Deepa and Raj Menon, Paige and Jeff Mims, Joa and John Muns, Leslie and Mark Newman, Auburn and Philip Pope, Monica and Mark Shortino, Lissa and Bill Smith, Sheri and Don Steele, Shelley and Ray Strickland, Camille and Mike Ussery, Hilary and Al Valente and Pamela Zeigler-Petty and Tony Petty.
Event committee members include: Debra Benton, Lori Cecil, Mary Jo Dean, Patti Gunnels, Nancy Humphrey, Kelly Hunter, Chris Ingalls, Jackie Johnston, Becky McKinney, Phillip Pierceall, Mardy Sackley, Joan Smith, Justine Sweeney, La Tanya Thomas, Heather Webb, Richard Wells, Stephanie Wells, Kimberly Woodard and Leah Young.
Today, Hendrick Scholarship Foundation is the leading resource for Plano ISD graduates seeking college scholarships that provide a network of support not just financial assistance. Hendrick surrounds their students with mentors who are committed to their success in and outside the classroom. Students’ needs vary from access to social services, tutoring, education and career planning, transportation, personal development and life skills. The vision of Dr. Hendrick is as strong today providing a support system that continues today Serving Student Success for Life. http://hendrickscholarship.org To get involved and more information on Hendrick Scholarship Foundation, contact: info@hendrickscholarship.org or call 972-535-6712.