News & Information - Valencia Community College

ORLANDO – As the economic outlook brightens, many local residents are still looking to higher education to provide new employment opportunities and job security. And though markets are slowly beginning to rebound, family finances are often still tight, and the increasing cost of tuition and books can conspire to make college unaffordable.

To address the need for access to higher education and continuity of scholarship support, Valencia Foundation and UCF Foundation have partnered to present A Taste for Learning on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Rosen Shingle Creek. The international wine sampling and auction expects to draw more than 800 supporters and wine aficionados to raise monies for 1,000 new scholarships. 100 percent of all sponsorships, tickets and auction receipts from A Taste for Learning will go directly to scholarships and is eligible to earn dollar-for-dollar match through the state of Florida First Generation in College matching grant program, doubling a donor’s investment.

In 2005, Valencia Foundation board member Jess Bailes and his team at ABC Fine Wine and Spirits first brought the concept of A Taste for Learning to Valencia Foundation. The unique event formula unites partners who donate every product for the event including the venue, décor, media, food, wine and auction items. The first three events generated about $1.3 million in scholarships for deserving Valencia Community College students in need.

This year’s event marks an important beginning in joint philanthropy efforts between Valencia and the University of Central Florida (UCF), and will benefit 2+2 scholarships for DirectConnect, a proactive initiative that assures Valencia students access to UCF. Since 2006, UCF has guaranteed admission to all Valencia graduates through DirectConnect to UCF, the most productive community college/university partnership in the nation. Nearly 27,000 Valencia students are currently participating in DirectConnect to UCF.

Rosen Shingle Creek, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, Fry Hammond Barr and McCree General Contractors and Architects Inc. are among the lead sponsors. Other sponsors include Baker Hostetler LLP, BB&T, Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, Collier Jaguar, C.T. Hsu + Associates PA, Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services of Orlando Inc., Fifth Third Bank, Freeman, Paul and Mary Ann Kinser, LarsonAllen LLP, Orlando Event Photographers, Orlando Health, Orlando Magic, PPI Construction Management Inc., Progress Energy Florida, Progressive Communications, Schoolfield Properties Inc. – Wayne and Dianne Schoolfield, SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove, Siemens, Skanska USA Building Inc., Terra Firma Construction Management, UCF Regional Campuses, Universal Orlando Resort, Valencia Community College, Walt Disney World Co. and Kay Walters – Second Chance Fund.

ABC Fine Wine and Spirits invited wineries from around the world to donate hundreds of bottles of their finest wines for tasting and auction. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres and sample entrée selections from B.B. King Blues Club, Cala Bella – Rosen Shingle Creek, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and Uno Chicago Grill, among others, will be served during the event.

This year, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits is offering an additional opportunity to support A Taste for Learning through the Save the Corks! campaign. Now through the end of December, corks can be dropped off at Save the Corks! containers at participating ABC Fine Wine and Spirits locations. Through a partnership with Nomacorc and Terracycle, ABC will donate two cents to A Taste for Learning for each cork recycled. Those attending the Taste event can also bring their corks with them on Oct. 17. For more information on Save the Corks!, visit www.abcfws.com#corks.

The University of Central Florida Foundation Inc. is the official fund-raising and gift beneficiary for the University of Central Florida. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the university’s primary partner in securing philanthropic resources. The foundation enhances relationships with alumni, friends, faculty, staff and community partners. The foundation secures and manages charitable resources for the university and always acts with integrity and honesty.

Valencia Community College Foundation Inc. provides the margin of excellence for which Valencia Community College has long been known. The foundation is a separate, not-for-profit, IRS-approved 501(c)3 corporation chartered in 1974 with the objective of financially providing for the educational needs of students that cannot be met through state or federal assistance. Valencia Foundation’s mission is to enhance learning, workforce training and economic development in Central Florida through the support of scholarships, teaching chairs, programs and buildings for Valencia Community College.