At Encore 2010, Genesee Community College Foundation's annual holiday fundraising event, 336 local residents enjoyed a great night out.
Extra seating was brought into the William W. Stuart Forum and the Stuart Steiner Theatre to accommodate the overflow audience. The Dec. 15 celebration continued the tradition of a fun and festive evening, with new and old friends coming together in the spirit of raising funds for the college's numerous scholarship programs.
Batavia residents Joe and Mary Beth Teresi chaired Encore 2010, and were assisted by a committee of almost 20 community members.
The evening began with a gourmet reception in the forum. Guests then proceeded to the theater for a holiday pops concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Emily Helenbrook, a 16-year-old soprano and Alexander native, joined the BPO for an enchanting performance that wowed the crowd. The evening concluded with a delectable dessert reception in the forum.
"When all contributions are counted, they will possibly exceed a record-setting $60,000," said Foundation Executive Director Richard Ensman. "In these difficult and economically challenging times, the overwhelming turnout and contributions should be a source of pride to everyone who worked so hard to make the event a success.
Ensman also thanked Five Star Bank, the lead corporate benefactor, for its continued support of Encore.
The Genesee Community College Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing volunteer and philanthropic support to Genesee Community College. Formed in 1986, it has been instrumental in providing more than 3,000 scholarships over the last decade, assisting in the funding of the Conable Technology Building and the Humphrey Student Union, and the expansion of College Village, Genesee's student residence.
Photographs of Encore 2010 can be viewed by visiting the college's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GeneseeCommunityCollege <http://www.facebook.com/GeneseeCommunityCollege>.
