Silas Craft Collegians 20th Annual Event Raises Funds for Student Scholarships
Howard Community College (HCC) faculty and staff will be joined by community members and elected officials at Hunan Manor Restaurant in Columbia from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2019, to enjoy a flavorful buffet dinner in support of the college’s Silas Craft Collegians program. Named after Howard County educator and civil rights leader Silas Craft, the program offers students personalized attention and mentorship in a supportive academic cohort to promote scholastic achievement, graduation, and transfers to four-year institutions.
This marks the 20th year Hunan Manor Restaurant, located at 7901 Deepage Drive, will host the event, which has raised over $411,000 and helped 1,514 Silas Craft Collegian students since its inception. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Silas Craft Collegians program and student scholarships.
The event will include motivational remarks by HCC President Kate Hetherington, Howard Community College Educational Foundation board members, and elected officials. The Collegians will also be in attendance to share their personal stories. Mrs. Dorothye Craft, the widow of Silas Craft, will also be in attendance. Mrs. Craft, who will turn 96 on March 6, 2019, has attended every Hunan Manor fundraiser since it began in 2000. She also attends the Collegian’s new student retreat annually, and writes inspirational letters to the Collegians throughout the year.
As committee chair for the Silas Craft Collegians Dinner, Barb Van Winkle says she is honored to be part of a program that helps students in need.
“The Silas Craft Collegians program assists students from all over, and I enjoy being able to meet the students in the program and support such a great cause,” she said.
Dinner tickets are $45 or $30 for employees, retirees, and seniors (60+) and can be purchased online or at the door. HCC student tickets are $15 and can be purchased in person at the Foundation Office in McCuan Hall, Room 102. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit howardcc.edu/silascraftdinner.