What do you call an event that combines hotdish and beer served in a garage just cleaned for the occasion? It’s BrewLash! The SCTCC Foundation fundraiser for student scholarships. The first annual BrewLash Fundraiser took place in October 2017. “It was a great success” according to Tim Feddema, SCTCC Foundation Board member and planning volunteer. “We had a lot of fun putting it together,” he said.
BrewLash 2017 took place in the SCTCC Medium Heavy Truck and Auto Body labs. “It was the perfect place for an old-fashioned garage party. There is lots of space and we used the student tool boxes for tables,” said Feddema. “The students and faculty took a lot of pride and worked hard getting the space ready.”
Then there was the food: ten unique hotdishes and ten student teams from the SCTCC Culinary Arts program. Each team made up of two or three students tasked with choosing or creating their own unique recipe. They prepared and served their hotdishes, all the while visiting with guests sharing stories of their chosen recipe. In the end, the guests voted for the “Best of Fest”. The winning team received a scholarship along with bragging rights at the college.
Alongside each hotdish station was a brew sample station where guests could try a two-ounce craft beer or cider in a commemorative BrewLash glass. There was also coffee and cookies available, baked fresh by the culinary students.
“It was an event that showcased SCTCC. People were surprised to see what a great teaching facility SCTCC is,” stated Jon Pearson, SCTCC Foundation Vice-President and BrewLash volunteer. “The Medium Heavy Truck lab is impressive. People also enjoyed trying their hand in the virtual painting booth in the Auto Body lab. It’s harder than it looks,” Pearson said.
“The thing I was most excited about was the support of SCTCC faculty and staff,” said Arlene Williams, Foundation Director. “We could not have done it without them. They volunteered because they really care about students. We have many students who rely on the support that scholarships provide and this was a way for faculty and staff to help. What a great place to learn and work.”