Terri Dennison and Sondra Guyton from Bladen Community College show off some of the goodies that were available at the annual Foundation Dinner.
Mark DeLap | Bladen Journal
BCC FOUNDATION DINNER 2025
Bladen Community College president, Dr. Amanda Lee poses with some of the members of Four County EMC. They were given the distinction of “Business Partner of the Year.”
Mark DeLap | Bladen Journal
Mark DeLap | Bladen Journal
Every ticket and sponsorship purchased to attend the annual Foundation Dinner truly makes a difference. Each sponsorship includes tickets to the dinner and offers meaningful recognition opportunities. Although everyone wins with the annual Foundation Dinner, an investment into the education of local students is the focal point of the night.
Mark DeLap | Bladen Journal
Dublin, NC – The Bladen Community College Foundation hosted its annual dinner Oct. 2 at the Cape Fear Winery in Elizabethtown, marking the most successful event in the Foundation’s history.
The evening was filled with fellowship, good food, laughter, and tremendous community spirit as guests gathered to support the fundraising efforts of the college. The night’s entertainment featured the lively auctioneering duo of Bo Barefoot and Ryan Godwin, who brought energy and humor to the event while auctioning an impressive collection of gifts donated by local businesses.
With their help—and the overwhelming generosity of sponsors and attendees—the Foundation surpassed its projected fundraising goal. Proceeds came from sponsorships, live auction items, and teacup raffles, all benefiting student scholarships and campus initiatives.
Among the many exciting moments, the highest-bid item of the night was a stunning diamond ring donated by Ray and Wanda Britt. Other highly sought-after auction items included overnight and weekend stays at the Cape Fear Winery, the Elizabethtown Inn, Greene’s Pond, Harmony Hall, Lu Mil Vineyard, and a mountain cabin in Franklin, North Carolina.
Each getaway package came complete with a “getaway bag” of essentials and fun items to enhance the experience. A particularly heartwarming highlight came when the winning bidder of the Elizabethtown Inn overnight stay immediately gifted it to Mr. Dennis Troy, a long-term trustee and devoted supporter of the college.
The gesture drew applause from the crowd and perfectly captured the spirit of generosity that defines the Bladen Community College family. In addition to celebrating a record-breaking year, the dinner also served as the official launch of the Foundation’s holiday salsa fundraiser.
The Foundation is partnering with D’Vine Foods to offer a three-pack of specialty salsas for $20, with proceeds supporting student success initiatives. During the evening, the College also recognized its Business Partner of the Year—Four County EMC. The honor, selected by faculty and staff, celebrates the company’s long-term commitment to Bladen Community College through scholarship support, equipment donations for the newly renovated culinary kitchen at the Booker T. Washington School in Clarkton, and ongoing service to the college and community—especially during hurricanes and ice storms.
“This event was truly a celebration of community,” said Dr. Amanda Lee, President of Bladen Community College. “The generosity and enthusiasm we experienced remind us that Bladen County stands behind our students and their futures. We are deeply grateful for every sponsor, donor, and guest who made this evening possible.”
Sondra Guyton, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Community Relations, added, “This year’s dinner was our best yet! From the spirited auction to the shared laughter and stories, it was a night that reflected the heart of Bladen County—generous, connected, and full of joy. We’re so thankful for our supporters and already looking forward to next year.”
The Bladen Community College Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended, sponsored, and donated to make this year’s annual dinner such a success. Together, the community continues to open doors for students through scholarships and other vital forms of support.
More pictures from Bladen Community College’s 2025 Foundation Dinner can be seen on the picture page of last week’s Bladen Journal and also see the posts on Bladen Journal Facebook page.