LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, raised more than $166,000 for student scholarships at the fourth-annual Benefit Fayette fundraiser event on Oct. 12 in the Community Center on campus.

The evening opened with a cocktail hour and a live piano performance by Ron Bickel, followed by a live auction and announcement of major gifts.

A $25,000 gift commitment was announced for the creation of the Calkins Foundation Annually Funded Scholarship. This need-based scholarship fund will provide a total of $5,000 per year over five years to students enrolled in the four-year Business or Corporate Communication degree programs at Penn State Fayette, and who are participating in a for-credit internship.

Additionally, a gift of $100,000 from the Addison Gibson Foundation was announced to benefit the Penn State Fayette general scholarship fund. The funds will be used over the next two years to support second-, third-, and fourth-year, full-time students enrolled in a campus baccalaureate program. Eligibility will be based on academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.

This year, there were two ways to participate in the benefit. “Dinner and a Show” reservations included an Italian buffet provided by the Historic Stone House and premium seating for Let’s Hang On, the nationally acclaimed Frankie Vallie Tribute Show. “Just a Show” reservations also were offered at a reduced cost, which included general admission seating for the entertainment.

Nearly 200 guests were in attendance, including elected officials and community leaders. Major sponsors included 84 Lumber Company, First Energy Foundation, Walter Mucci Construction, Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House, and Carolyn Blaney.

“We are here tonight for a delightful evening of entertainment and fellowship, but our festivities this evening have an even greater purpose — helping to raise much-needed funds to support student aid,” said Lori Omatick, director of development and chair of the benefit planning committee. “One-hundred percent of proceeds will go directly to student scholarships through the general scholarship fund. Ninety percent of Fayette students are eligible for financial aid, nearly half of which are first-generation college students.”

Photos from the event are available to view and download at https://www.flickr.com/photos/pennstatefayette/.

Gifts to scholarships will advance "A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence," a focused campaign that seeks to elevate Penn State’s position as a leading public university in a world defined by rapid change and global connections. With the support of alumni and friends, “A Greater Penn State” seeks to fulfill the three key imperatives of a 21-century public university: keeping the doors to higher education open to hardworking students regardless of financial well-being; creating transformative experiences that go beyond the classroom; and impacting the world by fueling discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship. To learn more about “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence,” visit greaterpennstate.psu.edu.