Annual Crafton Hills College Gala raises $205,000 for student success, campus upgrades

Publish Date: Sept. 29, 2026

Hundreds of generous donors turned out on Sept. 23 for the Crafton Hills College (CHC) Foundation’s annual fundraiser to help CHC students toward “brighter futures.” 

The “Bright Nights, Brighter Futures” gala raised $205,000 for the Roadrunner community through the Foundation’s scholarships and funding for campus programs.

“This is only possible because of people like you,” said Crafton Hills College President Kevin Horan. “Each of you plays an important role in supporting our students and helping our community bootstrap themselves up and break the poverty cycle by training students for meaningful and needed jobs.” 

The gala took over Crafton’s quad with neon pink, orange and aqua papel picados—or banners—greeting arriving guests. The aroma of street tacos with all the fixings and music from the 1970s to the present filled the air.

Funds raised through silent and live auctions and a Sponsor a Student Wall enable the Foundation to provide the financial support necessary for students to reach their goals. 

Last year, the Foundation awarded more than $330,000 in scholarships to attending Roadrunners and an additional $156,000 in direct support to students through emergency funding, textbook loans and program support.

This year, dozens of silent auction items enticed guests to give big, and they did with many items being scooped up within just a few bids. A live auction brought in close to $12,000 thanks to big-ticket items like a San Diego Weekend Escape, a three-night stay for up to four guests at Club Wyndham’s Inn; an Angels Diamond Club Experience for six with behind-home-plate seating; and an Evening at the Burrage Mansion Bistro, a private six-course tasting and whiskey pairing private party at one of Redlands’ historic homes.

Thousands more were raised with dozens joining Crafton’s President’s Circle, a group of individuals, organizations and business leaders committed to the mission of the Yucaipa-based college and its Foundation.

Additional event highlights included remarks from Outstanding Alumnus William “Bill” Soqui, a graduate of Crafton’s Emergency Services and Paramedic programs, and a spotlight on student success and impact featuring the story of River Casner, a graduate from Paramedic Class 103 and Fire Academy 114.

“I can’t speak highly enough about the staff here at Crafton,” shared Casner. “Everyone here is going to do everything they can in their power to give you the highest level of training to succeed.”

The mission of the Crafton Hills College Foundation is to cultivate meaningful relationships and raise funds that remove barriers, enhance opportunities and empower students to strengthen our communities.

To learn more or to see how you can support its efforts, go to www.craftonhills.edu/foundation.