Community Invited to GCC Celebration of Community on March 5

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Community College (GCC) Foundation invites community partners, supporters, alumni, and friends to “Building Bridges & Belonging: GCC’s Celebration of Community,” an annual fundraising dinner honoring connection, education, and shared values.

The event will take place Wednesday, March 5 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the GCC Cohn Family Dining Commons. Tickets cost $50 per person. Registration is required by Feb. 23.

The evening will feature a catered dinner, a cash bar and the presentation of awards recognizing outstanding GCC alumni and community partners. Attendees will also hear from current GCC students about how the college has influenced their educational journeys and lives.

Proceeds from the event will support the GCC Impact Fund, which helps ensure students have the resources they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

“It is a delight to bring together so many remarkable people from the GCC community each year,” said Alexis Page, executive director of the GCC Foundation. “The evening always leaves attendees with a glow from the shared commitment to improving lives through education.”

This year’s Community Catalyst Award, which is presented to an individual who demonstrates exemplary community service and leadership, will be presented to Wendy Sibbison. Inspired by a Greenfield Recorder column by GCC student Michael Hannigan about food insecurity, Sibbison inspired Franklin Community Co-op member-owners to donate more than $10,000 to support GCC’s Food Pantry.

This year’s Community Champion Award will be presented to the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center, which provides free employment and training services to people throughout the region. Each year, MassHire collaborates with GCC to host a free, public career and job fair on campus, where students can network and connect with potential employers.

In celebration of the achievements of GCC graduates, GCC will also honor alumni. Thomas Crossman (’11) will receive a Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing his professional accomplishments and contributions since graduating from GCC. The Young Alumni in Action Award will be presented to Christian LaPlante (’19), recently named Franklin County’s first downtown district coordinator. LaPlante serves in this newly created role as part of a Rural Downtown Revitalization Pilot Project to strengthen the economic and cultural vitality of downtown Northfield, Turners Falls, and Shelburne Falls.

For more information about the event or to register, visit gccfor.me/bridges.