On Nov. 4, Henry Ford College hosted its second annual President’s Gala at the Fairlane Club in Dearborn. The gala honors faculty, staff, contributors, and community and foundation partners for their philanthropic support of Henry Ford College.

The gala, organized by the Office of Development under the Henry Ford College Foundation, was a glamorous black tie event where patrons were treated to a cocktail reception against the backdrop of music by pianist, Jeremy St. Martin, as well as the lively Blue Fusion Band. The reception was followed by a three course dinner punctuated by a dance performance by Full Circle Dance Company and Blue Fusion’s soulful performance of Paul Simon’s “Bridge over Troubled Waters.” Five HFC student ambassadors greeted guests as they arrived and served as ushers for the event.

The highlight of the evening was the Presidential Awards Ceremony which recognized exceptional generosity in four different categories: the HFC Faculty & Retiree Member award went to Mr. Rick Goward for his many years of dedication to HFC’s music program, which is home to the largest performance ensembles of all two-year colleges in Michigan; Paul and Sandra Butler received the Major Contributors Award, presented to an individual or a family with a proven record of exceptional philanthropic generosity to HFC; Marathon Petroleum Company received the Corporate Foundation Award for demonstrating outstanding commitment to philanthropy for HFC; and the Henry Ford Trade School Alumni Association received the Community Group Award, presented to a community/civic group that has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in volunteer fundraising to benefit HFC.

Commenting on the Major Contributors Award, Sandra Butler said that though it was a great honor to receive the award, she and her husband are happy to give because they value Henry Ford College and all that it has to offer the community.

Dr. Stan Jensen, President of Henry Ford College, said that events like the President’s Gala not only serve to strengthen relationships with those that give philanthropic support to HFC, but they are also a platform for students to get jobs.

Reginald Best, Vice President of Development at Henry Ford College, said that having students involved in the Foundation’s events as student ambassadors as well as offering mentorships and internship opportunities with the Office of Development is a major part of nurturing future contributors.