September 15, 2008

Pop Culture Trivia Pursuit, True Life Crime Mysteries and Two Thumbs Up: A Film Lover's Feast – these are just a few of the conversation topics community members can choose to join at the second annual “C3 – Cuisine, Conversation, and Community,” which will be held at Chandler-Gilbert Community College on Saturday, October 4 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Last year, CGCC, in partnership with the Education Foundations from the Southeast Valley school districts, raised more than $9,000 in scholarship funds for Valley high school graduates at this annual fundraiser. This year, the college is challenging community members to help them beat that amount.

“C3 – Cuisine, Conversation, and Community” will feature dinner outdoors and lively conversation on a variety of topics led by expert facilitators from the community and the college. Diners will have the opportunity to choose from more than 30 different conversations topics. Other conversations range from, How to Publish What You Write and Naturopathic Medicine Today, to The Media and the 2008 Presidential Campaign and Sustainable Innovations for the Developing World.

The price for dinner and conversation is $75 per person. Conversation sponsorship is also available, starting at $500. Proceeds from this event will provide scholarships for high school graduates from Chandler, Gilbert, Higley, and Queen Creek School Districts to attend CGCC.

“Achieving a college education is a dream which seems out of reach for many students in the Southeast Valley,” said Dr. Maria Hesse, CGCC college president. “Our local school districts and CGCC, along with many generous community members, are coming together to address the need for college scholarships for those who aspire to a college education but may struggle financially or need the recognition of knowing that we believe in them.”

Tempe resident Wally Stuebner attended last year’s event and said he enjoyed it so much that he decided to host his own conversation at this year’s event, entitled, Does Real Estate Still Make Sense in Your Portfolio?

“I’ve been involved in and with the college since the first shovel was put into the ground, so when the C3 event was mentioned I was excited to support this important scholarship fundraiser,” Stuebner said. “The evening and event are well worth my time and investment. I truly enjoyed my table and the discussion last year, and I look forward to C3 becoming a signature CGCC event with a bigger scholarship impact each year.”

For more information, a complete listing of dinner conversation topics, or to purchase tickets, access www.cgc.edu/c3 or call (480) 732-7157.

CGCC is located at 2626 E. Pecos Rd. in Chandler.