Monroe County Community College breaks annual fundraising record amid challenging year

The Foundation at Monroe County Community College recently announced its most successful fundraising year ever. The Foundation's mission is to use the donations it receives to provide scholarships and support to MCCC students throughout the year. During this year of record-breaking donations, there was also a greater than normal need from the students for support. Students facing job losses and financial strain due to the pandemic have a greater amount of resources for assistance. The fundraising year was kicked off in a big way in December 2019 with a $1.1 million gift from local businessman and philanthropist Gary J. Vajcner.

MCCC announced the year of fundraising success in the recent 2019-2020 Annual Report to the Community. The report recounts some of the ways students have been helped this year. When the initial shutdown in March with the emergence of COVID-19, many students needed help with access to laptops as classes moved online. Other students needed help with internet access, software, or childcare. Board members of The Foundation teamed up with local businesses and MCCC staff and alumni to raise money for the Emergency Relief Fund. The initial $20,000 raised was matched and exceeded by community donors, raising almost $100,000 throughout the year. The emergency fund has helped almost 100 students confronted by financial emergencies who were able to continue their studies through assistance from the Emergency Relief Fund. One student, identified as Julie H. by the report, received a scholarship that allowed her to purchase a laptop. The laptop enabled Julie to complete her nursing degree in the spring while working as an EMT. Maria B. was laid off from her job as a corrections officer and financial assistance allowed her to continue her studies at MCCC and still support her family.

Among the most significant donations was a $1.1 million grant from Gary J Vajcner. As a local businessperson and philanthropist, Vajcner felt compelled to invest in the future of MCCC and the community. "We felt very strongly that investing in the college was an opportunity for us to pay it forward. Both Patricia and I come from very humble beginnings. We worked hard and invested wisely through the years, and we wanted to set an example and help students reach their full potential. In turn, we hope our gift will grant those who benefit with both the ability and inspiration to carry our generosity through to the next generation with their own giving." The donation will primarily go to improve common areas and classrooms on campus to enhance the student experience. $50,000 of the donation will establish the Patricia A. Vajcner Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will primarily support students enrolled in a skilled trade program, with a preference given to students enrolled in the field of manufacturing technology.

In a statement included in the annual report from Chairman of The Foundation Victor Bellestri at MCCC expresses his hope for the future, " As we look to the future, I am optimistic. We still have many students who face daunting hurdles, but we also have a community willing to help. Students are the purpose of our work at The Foundation at MCCC. As MCCC President Dr. Kojo Quartey is fond of saying, education is the cure to poverty. We don't just treat the symptoms that afflict our community; we are the cure and the key to a prosperity in which we all share. With your help, we will continue to shape the minds and lives of our students, no matter the challenges."