Shoreline Community College serves students who are working hard to build stable lives, support their families, and move into living-wage careers. However, too many face barriers like the rising costs of food, housing, transportation, and healthcare, that threaten their ability to stay in school and complete their goals.
These challenges make it difficult for students to focus on their studies. The Giving Table Luncheon exists because community support like yours can make the difference between a student dropping out prematurely, or completing a degree that leads to a secure, living-wage job. Donor generosity provides emergency aid, basic needs support, and scholarships that allow students to stay enrolled, focused and in a position to succeed.
About the Event
On November 7, 2025, the Shoreline Community College Foundation welcomed 296 guests to its annual Giving Table Luncheon, raising $100,000 to support students in need. The event was made possible by 20 dedicated volunteers and 28 generous individual and corporate sponsors.
Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson joined the program and spoke about the essential role community colleges play across Washington and the importance of supporting students who face significant financial barriers. Additional speakers included Shoreline Community College President Jack Kahn, Transitional Studies Interim Dean Jessica Strickland, Honors College Director Michael Overa, and Foundation Executive Director Wendy J. Coates.
However, the most powerful moments at the event came from students. Lily Taylor, who came to Shoreline at age 27 to complete her GED, shared how donor support helped her stabilize her basic needs, enroll in the Honors College, and thrive in a program she once thought was out of reach.
Five other students also offered brief reflections describing how donor-funded support allowed them to stay enrolled allowing them to continue working toward their goals.
The luncheon opened with Shoreline’s land acknowledgement and closed with a traditional song gifted by Muckleshoot tribal member Justice Bill, offered in the spirit of community and cultural respect.
For More Information
For more information about how to support Shoreline students and help remove financial barriers to their success, contact the Shoreline Community College Foundation at https://www.shoreline.edu/foundation/default.aspx
