Middlesex Community College Foundation Kicked Off Giving Season with Virtual Red Moon Fundraiser

Oct. 7, 2020 (Middletown, Conn.) — The Middlesex Community College Foundation presented its ninth annual Red Moon fundraiser—streamed live for the first time—on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020. The virtual event kicked off the MxCC Foundation’s fall giving season, bringing together community members, alumni, faculty and staff to support scholarships for students while enjoying musical entertainment and a chance at winning prizes.

Red Moon studio with hostsMaxwell Gottfried, a 2019 graduate of the ophthalmic design and dispensing program, received a scholarship through the MxCC Foundation after he thought he exhausted all of his resources to fund college.

“The news of that scholarship brought tears to my mother’s eyes, as we knew how important it was for my future. Through that scholarship and the kindness of the staff at the school, I was able to climb out of financial trouble, finish my degree and obtain my optician license,” said Gottfried, who now manages one of highest volume optical locations in his area. “When someone I help who has no idea where else to turn thanks me, they thank the school and the donors that helped me to get where I am.”

Laura Krueger, MxCC Foundation chair and Middlesex alumna, welcomed the audience by reigning in a “red moon” to start the broadcast. MxCC CEO Steven Minkler highlighted the college’s partnerships, including Stop & Shop’s $5,000 worth of gift cards they donated to support students with food insecurity.

Rick Eriksen and Kimberly Hogan, both staff at the college, hosted the lively broadcast, which was professionally produced at MxCC’s cutting-edge Center for New Media broadcast facilities. The five-piece band, Six Feet Apart, performed between segments.

Red Moon control roomBut while the live event has ended, the MxCC Foundation is still actively accepting donations to reach their goal of $50,000 this fall.

“We are continuing to raise funds in support of our students through the sale of raffle tickets,” said Hogan. “Tickets are $50 each, and top prizes include an outdoor pizza oven, a 40″ monitor with Apple TV, a set of car tires with alignment, a $500 gift card to the Downtown Middletown Business District and more.”

Anyone can purchase raffle tickets and watch the recorded event by visiting the Red Moon website. The drawing for the raffle prizes will be held on November 19 during the foundation’s annual board meeting.

As a way to pay it forward, Gottfried also issued a friendly challenge for donors to match or exceed his $150 donation to the MxCC Foundation.

“My success would have simply not occurred without the opportunity afforded to me by this school and those who donated,” added Gottfried.

Red Moon controlsThe MxCC Foundation thanks all of the generous sponsors and raffle donors, along with the event’s committee of volunteers and college staff who made the livestream event so successful.

The purpose of the Middlesex Community College Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is to support the college and its students by encouraging and securing charitable contributions to the college through the Foundation, and by managing and directing funds for scholarships, program and faculty development, instructional technology and equipment to create a learning environment that fosters student success.

Since 1966, Middlesex Community College has provided high-quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse population, enhancing the strengths of individuals through degree, certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer, employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global citizens. A part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, MxCC offers more than 70 degree or certificate programs at the 35-acre campus in Middletown, MxCC@Platt in Meriden, and online.