A "Night Out" at Crafton Hills College Raises More Than $186,000 for Students, Campus Improvements

Publish Date: April 17, 2023

A Thursday Night Out, hosted by Crafton Hills College’s Foundation, raised more than $186,000 for the growing student population of the Yucaipa-based college.

Supporters, community leaders and school officials gathered under tents set up in the College’s quad area on April 6 to help raise funds for the CHC Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to bettering the lives of Roadrunners.

The annual event and Foundation’s largest fundraiser brought in thousands through student sponsorships and silent and live auctions. Items included behind-the-plate seating at a June Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball game and a seven-night stay at any Wyndham Timeshare Resort.

Since its founding, the Crafton Hills College Foundation  has helped students of all backgrounds to reach their dreams of gaining a higher education. The Foundation does this by raising funds year-round to support student scholarships, financial hardship grants and educational programs.

Today, the Foundation manages more than $4 million in endowments and other assets to make  its mission a reality. It contributes more than $750,000 annually to support the College’s Roadrunner population.

Students Dakota Erwin, a member of the current graduating class, and Anthony Estrada, a recent Crafton grad, explained to the Night Out audience how without the nonprofit’s support, they might not have achieved their educational goals.

“When I came to Crafton three years ago, I came here for one class and stayed here for the rest. I love this campus so much,” Erwin said. “The Crafton Foundation gave me my first scholarship last year and I was so honored.

“I didn’t think I could come back to college and work full-time until I realized I’m never going to make enough money to go back to school so I might as well do both,” she continued. “I worked full-time. I came back for that one class and the opportunities that Crafton gave me made me realize I could do both.”

“Dakota hit the nail on the head,” Estrada added minutes later. “Truly, thank you. I’m not sure a lot of you understand when I say, ‘Thank you,’ how much it means to me because I’m not one of those guys that usually asks for help. But when I reached out to [Paramedic Director] Amanda [Ward] and the Foundation, they helped me with open arms and continue to help me to this day.”

The night did not end there.

Guests also enjoyed good eats served up by local businesses, a DJ spinning the latest and greatest, personal thanks from Crafton leaders for attending, and a brief musical performance from Foundation President and CHC Medical Director Dr. Phong Nguyen.

And no fundraiser would be complete without recognizing Crafton’s Outstanding Alum. This year’s honor went to Dr. Stephanie Houston, a rockstar in the world of education who currently  chairs the San Bernardino Community College District Board and serves as assistant superintendent of innovation and engagement for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools.

Couldn’t make it to the event? There are many ways to give. Go to craftonhills.edu/foundation to donate online, or contact Michelle Riggs, director of institutional advancement, at mriggs@crafton.edu or 909-389-3391 to make other arrangements.