Roughly 100 people showed up Thursday evening to take part in the Wallace Community College – Selma (WCCS) Foundation’s annual Wine and Cheese Fundraiser, chipping in just under $15,000 to bolster the foundation’s work.

According to WCCS Foundation Board Chairman Chad McEachern, that number nearly doubles the amount raised at last year’s event.

“This event is important because, as we know, education is the foundation for success,” McEachern said. “For many of our students in this community, going to Wallace is that first step to a better life and a stepping stone towards a positive change for themselves, their families and the entire community.”

Among those in attendance for the event were WCCS President Dr. James Mitchell and his wife, Pricilla, Selma City School Board President Johnny Moss, III, Vaughan Regional Medical Center (VRMC) President and CEO David McCormack and Darrell Steward of Steward Construction.

Steward Construction and VRMC were among the sponsors for the night’s event, along with International Paper, Dave’s Mart, First Cahawba Bank, the Edmundite Missions and others.

“This is one of the major annual fundraising events [for] WCCS,” James Mitchell said. “An event which helps increase the scholarship awards to our students who are in need. Under Chad McEachern’s leadership, this foundation continues to grow and get even stronger.”

Mitchell noted that the funds raised for the foundation help roughly 120 students each year.

The Edmundite Missions’ Chef Harry Dominick catered the event, serving up hot and cold appetizers and fried alligator bites, as well as wine and cheese.

Dominick also set up  a buffalo wing station and a gumbo station.

The WCCS Foundation, established in 1989, is the fundraising arm of the college and members work alongside the administration, faculty and staff at WCCS to increase visibility and awareness in the communities the college serves.

“The importance of the foundation helping those that need help is critically important,” McEachern said. “The fact that the board is there, and that the students know that the board is there supporting them in a variety of different ways, including financial assistance when needed, is very important to the board and its members.”