Attendance was full and spirits were high at this year’s Olympic College Foundation Luncheon.

Held annually in October, the luncheon is a major fundraising event for the foundation with funds going toward program support, equipment needs, scholarships and emergency grants.

This year’s luncheon was attended by more than 300 people Monday, which exceeded prior record attendance set back in 2006 before the economy slipped into recession. Donations were also at an all time high with more than $100,000 donated by attendees.

The luncheon’s featured speaker was Olympic College student Stella Heard who shared her life’s story about growing up in a small village in Kenya to attending Olympic College after moving to the United States.  Heard thanked those in attendance for their generosity in giving to the foundation because she herself was able to receive support from the foundation which helped her achieve her education at Olympic College.

Other speakers at this year’s luncheon included Rep. Norm Dicks, foundation executive director Joan Hanten and foundation director of development Kelly Woodward along with new board member Jim Robinson who made an impassioned request for donations. The common theme among the speakers at this year’s luncheon was the need for the community to continue to support higher education during these difficult economic times.