The David Hartleb Technology Center on Northern Essex Community College’s Haverhill Campus was transformed into an elegant venue for the Women of NECC’s 20th annual June fundraising event which was held on Saturday evening, June 11.

Guests walked a red carpet as they entered the building, soft drapes hung from the walls, mood lighting created ambiance, and bright pink centerpieces with roses and peonies provided a colorful contrast to the gold and navy color scheme.

More than 135 guests attended the event which included a silent auction, raffles, and a mystery wine bottle grab, and over $20,000 was raised for scholarships.

NECC President Lane Glenn was the host of the event and, in his remarks, he praised the Women of NECC for their contributions to the college.

“We’re honored that this remarkable group of women have chosen to support Northern Essex,” said Glenn.  “They’ve contributed to the college financially and served as community ambassadors, promoting the college and its mission across the Merrimack Valley.”

Since their founding almost 20 years ago, the Women have raised over half million dollars for the college and awarded $300,000 in scholarships to 400 deserving NECC students.

Each year they host fundraisers including the annual June event, membership teas, and holiday events.  The June fundraisers are typically held at private homes but since this year was the 20th open house the event was held on campus.

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of a new scholarship in honor of Geraldine Murphy of North Andover, who has been the president of the Women of NECC since its founding.   Jeff Linehan, chair of the NECC Board of Trustees and a member of the NECC Foundation, presented Murphy with a plaque and announced that the foundation will award a $1000 scholarship annually in her name.

The college received $30,000 in in-kind donations for this event.  NexDine Catering provided catering services; Paula Marrero of Marrero Events, staged the facility; Elaine Barker of Paper Potpourri assisted with invitations; and the centerpieces were created by Flowers by Steve.

The Women of Northern Essex Community College is a volunteer organization dedicated to assisting Northern Essex Community College and its students. The organization generates funds for student scholarships and special projects by conducting a variety of fundraising events throughout the year, including a Fall Membership Tea and a June Gala Open House event.

For additional information contact Jean Poth, Vice-President Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the NECC Foundation, Inc. at jpoth@necc.mass.edu

With campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Northern Essex Community College offers over 70 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth.  More than 7,400 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 6,700 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley.  Northern Essex is the only state college located in the lower Merrimack Valley Region of Massachusetts. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu.