Image: Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, 2026 Chef Auction.

An evening built around food has delivered a practical boost for local students: the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation reports that its latest Chef Auction raised $36,000 for scholarships.

Held at Johnstown’s Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center, the fundraiser brought together culinary students, restaurant partners and supporters who were investing in more than a memorable dinner.

The college announced the result on October 21, making this a welcome piece of community good news as Cambria County heads into the final week of October.

A dinner with a longer reach

This was the fourth consecutive Chef Auction hosted by the Foundation, which took over the event in 2023.

Across those four years, the auctions have generated more than $185,000, according to the college’s announcement.

Proceeds from this year’s event benefit the Supporting Scholars Fund and future culinary arts scholarships.

That gives the evening two connected purposes: helping students finance their education and supporting a program that prepares people for work in professional kitchens.

The Supporting Scholars Fund includes the Destination Graduation, Emerging Leader and Presidential scholarships.

Each has its own requirements, so students should review the college’s scholarship information rather than assume that one fundraising event creates a single award open to everyone.

Students helped make the evening happen

Twelve culinary students worked with Chef and Culinary instructor John Dusack, Greater Johnstown High School students in the college’s partnership program and two Culinary Arts alumni.

The group helped prepare food for the opening reception and dinner.

For students, that kind of assignment puts classroom preparation in front of a real audience, where timing, presentation and teamwork all matter.

It also creates a chance to meet people already working in the field.

The Foundation’s director, Carole VanMeter, highlighted those professional connections in the college’s account of the event.

She described the tastings as an opportunity for students to demonstrate their progress and build relationships that could support internships or future careers.

Community support beyond one night

The Foundation’s broader scholarship program provides approximately $100,000 annually through endowed awards, annual scholarships and Supporting Scholars assistance.

Its published information describes opportunities for students with different residency situations, academic interests and life experiences, including nontraditional learners.

That range matters because college plans rarely look identical from one household to the next.

A recent high school graduate, a parent returning to school and someone changing careers may have very different schedules and financial needs.

Scholarship assistance can help, but the right next step is to check the requirements attached to each available award.

The Foundation also maintains a separate Student Emergency Fund for short-term financial crises that can interrupt education.

Examples in its program information include unexpected transportation, housing and utility expenses.

That emergency program is distinct from the funds supported by the Chef Auction; it is another route for community members who want to support student persistence.

How neighbors can take the next step

Students and families can begin with the college’s Student Support & Scholarships information, then contact the Foundation or financial aid staff about eligibility, applications and current deadlines.

Supporters can review the Foundation’s giving options to choose a purpose that matches their interests.

Anyone curious about culinary training can explore the Center for Culinary Excellence and ask about the current program and facilities.

The auction itself has finished, but its local value continues through the educational opportunities it supports.

For Cambria County, the encouraging story is the combination: students practicing their craft, neighbors contributing resources and a community college turning that support toward future learning.

Sources and useful links

College fundraiser report

Student support and scholarships

Center for Culinary Excellence