Río Hondo College Delights Guests, Supports Students with Annual ‘A Taste of Río’ Fundraiser

June 18, 2024

by: Rio Hondo College

Whittier, California – Río Hondo College’s (RHC) campus transformed into a vibrant festival featuring exquisite flavors, captivating entertainment, stunning original art pieces and a silent auction for the 11th edition of “A Taste of Río,” the Río Hondo College Foundation’s marquee annual fundraiser on June 7.

More than 375 attendees enjoyed a selection of culinary delights, fine wines and craft beers during “A Taste of Río.” The event raised approximately $105,000 for scholarships, programs and equipment to support Río Hondo College students throughout their educational journey.

It marked the first time in the history of “A Taste of Río,” which was first launched in 2012 to raise additional financial support for students, that the event has drawn more than 350 guests and raised more than $103,000 in consecutive years.

“‘A Taste of Río’ treats hundreds of guests to a great time for a good cause each year,” Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores said. “This year’s installment was another tremendous success for the Río Hondo College community and I cannot thank our generous group of sponsors and guests for making a profound difference in the lives of our students.”

Among the esteemed dignitaries who attended “A Taste of Río” were South El Monte Mayor Gloria Olmos, Mayor Pro Tem Rudy Bojorquez and City Councilmembers Manuel Acosta and Richard Angel; Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri, Mayor Pro Tem Cathy Warner and Councilmember Mary Ann Pacheco; City of Pico Rivera Councilmember Dr. Monica Sanchez; Foundation for California Community Colleges Board of Trustees Director Dr. Manuel Baca and representatives from the offices of California State Assemblymember Lisa Calderon and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, as well as a host of representatives and elected officials from the Río Hondo College Community College District and its K-12 partner districts.

Artist, author and activist Simón Silva and his wife Maria also attended “A Taste of Río,” which showcased art from former RHC Dean of Arts and Vice President Yoshio “Yosh” Nakamura and his daughter, Linda Nakamura Oberholtzer. Yoshio Nakamura will donate a piece for permanent display at the Río Hondo College Library, with guests providing feedback on which piece they would most like to see installed.

Guests sampled an array of delicious food and beverages from more than 20 local vendors, including Tepeyac Restaurant, Whittier Brewing Company, Providence Bakehouse, Sugar and Spice Cafe, Pit and Bull BBQ, and the College’s own Roadrunner Brewing. VIP guests also enjoyed premium liquor tastings provided by Northgate Markets. The event was made possible by the generous support of more than 35 sponsors, in particular, the Gold Sponsor, tBP/Architecture.

Attendees bid on more than 70 items during “A Taste of Río’s” silent auction, including one-of-a-kind finds like original artwork by Silva, a Honda Motocompacto scooter decked out in Río Hondo College’s new look and a variety of sports memorabilia, including autographed gear from Los Angeles Dodgers stars Freddie Freeman and Clayton Kershaw.

“‘A Taste of Río’ perfectly exemplifies the spirit of community and generosity that defines Río Hondo College and serves as a fitting conclusion to this historic year,” Board of Trustees President Anais Medina Diaz said. “This is a celebration we look forward to near the end of each school year, and we cannot thank our educational partners enough for their support.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

TASTE_OF_RIO1: Río Hondo College hosted more than 375 attendees for “A Taste of Río,” its marquee annual fundraiser on June 7. The event raised approximately $105,000 for scholarships, programs and equipment to support RHC students throughout their educational journey.

TASTE_OF_RIO2: “A Taste of Río” featured captivating entertainment and for the first time in its 11-year history the event drew more than 350 attendees and raised more than $103,000 in consecutive years on June 7.

TASTE_OF_RIO3: Twenty local vendors, including Whittier Brewing Company, provided guests with an array of delicious food and beverages to sample during “A Taste of Río” on June 7. The College’s annual fundraiser was first launched in 2012 to raise additional financial support for students.