10th Vintners & Valentines dinner raises $90,000

Two dozen wineries participated in the fundraiser, which covers expenses such as culinary and winemaking equipment.

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A sold-out gathering of 225 guests celebrated a decade of fine wine, exquisite food, and student achievement at FLCC’s 10th Annual Vintners & Valentines fundraiser on April 4.

The event, held at the FLCC main campus, raised more than $90,000 to support the culinary arts and viticulture and wine technology programs and the mission of the college. LeChase Construction Services served as the evening’s leading sponsor, with additional support from Farm Credit East and 17 other local and regional partners.

“This event is about more than just great food and wine. It’s about investing in students who will shape the future of our local food and beverage industries,” said FLCC President Robert Nye during his remarks. “Your generosity is transforming lives.”

Raymond F. LeChase II, vice president and partner of LeChase Construction Services, offers remarks at the 10th Annual Vintners & Valentines winemakers’ dinner at Finger Lakes Community College on April 4. Funds raised from the event provide direct benefits to students, including scholarships for international study in European wine regions and support for top-tier equipment and supplies used in the college’s culinary program.

One scholarship recipient, Sam Rocha of Naples, shared his experience studying winemaking practices in France and Italy through the Institute for American Universities. “I’ve learned that winemaking is more than science. It’s a global conversation,” said Rocha. “Thank you for allowing me to be part of it.”

guests enjoyed a five-course meal prepared and served by FLCC culinary and hospitality students under the guidance of Chefs Jamie Rotter and Patrick Rae, using professional-grade equipment purchased with past event proceeds. Representatives of two dozen wineries hosted tables where they shared a different wine with each course. Eleven of the wineries were represented by graduates of the FLCC program.

Patty Rockwell, professor of environmental conservation, is also a student in the culinary arts program and will graduate in May.

“Your gifts make learning essential skills possible,” she said. “This program gave me the gift of getting outside of my comfort zone, and that has been life changing.”

Planning is already underway for next year’s celebration, with a date to be announced soon. To learn more about supporting FLCC students and programs, visit flcc.edu/foundation. Email questions to foundation@flcc.edu.

Grads return for fundraiser

FLCC graduates of the viticulture and wine technology program represented 11 of the 24 participating wineries at the 10^th annual Vintners & Valentines fundraiser in April. Graduates were as follows:

James Acquilano ’23, Acquilano Wine Cellars
Tito Chavez ’20, Anthony Road Wine Company
Wes Andrew ’20, Atwater Vineyards
Gregory Taylor ’16, Bully Hill Vineyards
Brien Gardner ’16, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Angelica Lawler ’22, Fox Run Vineyards
Sam Pulis ’18, Hillick & Hobbs Estate
Nathaniel Moore ’19, Inspire Moore Winery
Joseph Patrick ’20, Jones Winery
John Monnier ’17, Ravines Wine Cellars
Phil Simmons ’20, Silver Thread Vineyard

Culinary and viticulture graduates are welcome to share their career news using our Class Notes online form.