NCC Hosts Annual Food and Wine Gala to Raise Funds for Student Scholarships

On May 30, donors, sponsors and community members spent their evening at the Northampton Community College (NCC) Bethlehem campus in support of NCC students. The college held the 2025 NCC Food and Wine Gala, which raised $350,439 for students who would otherwise not have the opportunity to pursue higher education. 

Back for an encore performance, the gala was headlined by Chris Cree, Master of Wine and founder of Cree Wine Company. Ashley Russo, president of ASR Media Productions, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the second year in a row.  

Attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour featuring an open bar, passed appetizers, charcuterie and small bites. With a garden party theme, it was a feast for the eyes showcasing exquisite fruits, florals and greenery set on a background of cerulean, white and lime. 

A three-course meal paired with three of Cree’s favorite wines was the highlight of the event. Guests enjoyed a light salad paired with Giovanni Almondo Roero Arneis Vigne Sparse 2024; house made gnocchi with sun dried tomato and broccoli rabe paired with Diego Conterno Barolo 2018; and filet mignon topped with Canadian rock lobster paired with Casanova di Neri Brunello Di Montalcino 2019. Cree educated guests on the history of the wines and how they complemented their meal as they sipped. 

Wicker accents and parasols created a stunning space for the dessert bar and dance floor featuring music by The Weekenders. Dessert consisted of flambéed strawberry shortcake and bananas foster with bread pudding. 

A live action featured a food and wine experience for eight at Cree Wine Company; a week at one of Avalon, N.J.’s most sought-after properties; a rare series of Silver Oak wines from both Napa Valley and Alexander Valley; and the opportunity for guests to directly contribute to scholarships to impact the lives of NCC students.  

“Mike and Diane, look at what you built,” Dr. Ruth said to founding honorary chairs, Mike and Diane Molewski, who chaired the NCC Food and Wine Committee for 15 years. Now, co-chairs, Ashley Russo and Anthony Onorata, have continued to lead an event that makes a profound impact on the lives of NCC students. “Thank you for your leadership, energy and commitment to make tonight a success,” Ruth said of the chairs, committee members and all who helped put together the event.  

Speaking to the gala’s 415 attendees, Ruth said, “Tonight is a chance to remind ourselves that everything we do here at NCC is to provide a quality accessible education regardless of their circumstances and their challenges.” 

More than 50% of NCC students would not be able to attend college without the generous donations from fundraising efforts like this one, with many living below the poverty line. Scholarships are crucial in bridging the financial gap, allowing these students to focus on their education without taking on additional financial burden. To date, the event has raised over $3.1 million to help students build a brighter future.  

Beyond the extraordinary setting, lively entertainment, top-tier food and fine wine, the evening was a celebration of a community that believes in the power of education to transform lives.  

Thank you to all of the partners and sponsors for a wonderful and successful evening. See more images from the gala here.