When it comes to supporting the community, many hands are at work at Niagara College.
The College’s Event Management graduate certificate students have lined up three community fundraising events for this spring – a BurgerFest, a Night in Vegas, and a trivia event – all in support of the Education Foundation of Niagara.
In October 2019, the Education Foundation of Niagara was selected as the College’s 2020 Many Hands Project recipient. Now in its 23rd year, NC’s annual Many Hands Project is the hallmark of NC’s Event Management program, which supports a different non-profit organization in Niagara each year. Event Management students support a local community non-profit organization while gaining valuable real-world experience in fundraising, marketing and raising public awareness of the agency.
This year, students aim to raise about $20,000 for this the Education Foundation of Niagara. Funds will go towards the creation of student bursaries for District School Board of Niagara students looking to pursue postsecondary education at Niagara College.
“We are proud to support the Education Foundation of Niagara through this year’s Many Hands Project, which will help young students enrich their lives through education,” said Damian Goulbourne, associate dean of NC’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport. “By organizing three amazing community fundraising events that will make a difference in their community, our own students, in turn, will gain valuable experience to help them pursue their career dreams.”
Laura Byers, executive director, Education Foundation of Niagara, noted that they are grateful for support from the Many Hands Project.
“Support from this initiative demonstrates true leadership and is a powerful role model of students giving back,” said Byers. “It’s students who understand the value in investing in other students’ lives, which supports the overall success of future education, specifically the success of future Niagara College students, and the prosperity of Niagara. It warms our hearts and reassures our souls that the future of our community is in good hands – the right hands!”
The Many Hands Project is applied learning in action for NC’s Event Management students such as Emilie White, who has taken on the role of marketing lead for the trivia fundraiser.
“Organizing a real event has been the absolute best learning experience. Everything we are learning in class is being put into action right away with our events,” she said. “I went through four years of university and never felt as knowledgeable and confident in what I am learning as I do this year. This is a hands-on learning program; what you learn, you see it unfold. It’s quite amazing, actually!”
Tickets are now available for three student-planned fundraising events.
Guests can sip, sample, and support the Many Hands Project at BurgerFest on March 25 (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) at the Market Square in St. Catharines (91 King St). The event will bring together the community through food, drinks and music. Local restaurants will serve sliders sides, craft beer and drinks, while guests can enjoy live music by local musicians. Tickets are $15 and are available for purchase on Eventbrite here.
A Night in Vegas will be held on March 27 (starting at 6:30 p.m.) at Coppola’s Ristorante and Banquet Facility (203 Carlton St., St. Catharines). Live entertainment will fill the Vegas-inspired evening featuring an illusionist/magician. Guests can enjoy tapas and small plates, participate in games and have a chance to win prizes. VIP general admission tickets are $45 each or ‘high roller’ tables of eight are available for $450. Tickets are available on Eventbrite here.
Drag yourself to Trivia will be held on April 9 (6 p.m. to 11 p.m.) at the Canadian Polish Society (43 Facer St., St. Catharines). The interactive, pop-culture-themed trivia night, co-hosted by two local drag queens, will feature rounds of trivia, pizza, snacks, a cash bar and games. Tickets are $25 each and tables of eight may be purchased for $200 on Eventbrite here.
NC has been committed to the Many Hands Project since its launch in 1998 and has made a lasting impact on the Niagara region over the past two decades, thanks to the creative efforts of NC students and faculty, and community support for local non-profits.
For more information about the Many Hands Project, visit niagaracollege.ca/manyhands.
For tickets and event details visit manyhandsevents.wixsite.com/mhpevents
Event Management is a one-year graduate certificate program at Niagara College that prepares graduates for a career in a fast-paced and multifaceted industry. Students develop skills in planning and logistics, public relations, marketing and sponsorship strategies, and volunteer and risk management in a highly experiential learning environment.
Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, spirits, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
Media inquiries, please contact:
Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7368
Cell: 905 328 2532
jgreco@niagaracollege.ca
Michael Wales
Communications Manager
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328 4101
mwales@niagaracollege.ca
