OCALA, FL – Beneath glowing chandeliers and the soft sound of cello music drifting through the barn, nearly 200 guests gathered March 7 at the College of Central Florida’s Vintage Barn for the annual Night at the Farm gala, helping raise a record $135,000 for student scholarships.
Hosted by the College of Central Florida Foundation, the event took place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the CF Vintage Farm Campus and brought together community leaders, donors and supporters for an evening of food, music and generosity. Proceeds from the event benefit scholarships for students attending the College of Central Florida.
The fundraiser marked the most successful Night at the Farm in the event’s history.
“Because of everyone here in this room, we have raised the most money we have ever raised for the Night at the Farm event – over $130,000 for students,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement Chris Knife during remarks at the event.
Knife thanked sponsors, community partners and guests for supporting the foundation’s mission of expanding educational opportunities. The annual gala, which has been held for more than two decades, has raised more than $2 million for scholarships over the past 25 years.
The evening featured live contemporary cello music performed by Lorena Valido, while guests mingled beneath lanterns and magnolia-themed decor throughout the barn. Student ambassadors greeted attendees at the entrance, where champagne was offered before check-in.
Guests enjoyed a Florida-inspired menu or hor d’oeuvres, including beef tenderloin, mini crab cakes, roasted chicken breast and vegetarian stuffed mushrooms, along with desserts such as key lime pie, chocolate mousse and layered chocolate cake. Signature drinks and wine were served alongside specialty cocktails like a Southern Spritz and a bourbon espresso martini.
During the program, CF President Jim Henningsen thanked donors and community members for helping support students through scholarships and other initiatives.
“We’re so reliant on our donors,” Henningsen said. “We don’t have any local tax support for the college.”
He noted the college continues to focus on affordability, adding that about 75% of CF students graduate without student debt.
The gala was presented by CAMPUS USA Credit Union, HCA Florida Healthcare, The Saint Bernard Foundation and VITAS Healthcare, with additional support from community sponsors and partners.
As the evening concluded under the warm lights of the barn, the record-setting total served as a reminder of the community’s ongoing commitment to helping local students pursue higher education – ensuring more CF graduates can walk across the stage and into their futures with opportunity, and often without debt.
