SUNY Schenectady Foundation Breaks Fundraising Record During 32nd Annual Food for Thought & All That Jazz

Guests were treated to a fabulous evening of music and gourmet cuisine during SUNY Schenectady’s 32nd Annual Food for Thought & All That Jazz, presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, yesterday. For more than three decades, proceeds from Food for Thought & All That Jazz have transformed the experiences of SUNY Schenectady students, from the addition of innovative facilities to emergency funding that helps students to persist. This year’s event was no exception, raising more than $100,000 – a new record!

Honorary Chair for the evening was Ellen Sax, Vice President, Community Engagement at MVP Health Care.

Honorary Chair Ellen Sax, Congressman Paul Tonko, and Laura Petrovic, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Renaissance Albany Hotel.

Festivities began with a champagne toast and 50-minute performance by the Jazz Ensemble, comprised of students in the School of Music, followed by delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared and served by students in the School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism. A silent auction consisted of a wide selection of offerings, including a stay at Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid and family fun packages filled with local treats for the whole family.

MORE photos coming soon!

Dr. Steady Moono, President of the College, was quick to offer his thanks to our supporters, “This was a terrific evening, and I am humbled by the show of support for the College, our wonderful students, our excellent academic programs and faculty, and the work of our Foundation,” he said. “The generosity of our sponsors, donors, and guests will benefit our students as they work diligently to achieve their goals. We are all grateful for this community of support.” 

Congressman Paul Tonko has been a strong supporter of SUNY Schenectady and Food for Thought & All That Jazz and was in attendance at the event again this year.

“Every year, the Food for Thought & All That Jazz event uplifts and empowers students at SUNY Schenectady – showcasing their talents and providing critical support as they continue on their academic journeys,” Congressman Tonko said. “I was proud to attend this year’s event and witness its record-breaking success — a true reflection of the unwavering commitment of SUNY Schenectady and its community partners to expanding opportunities and transforming lives through education.”

Ken Countermine, SUNY Schenectady Class of 1993 and Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, noted how the SUNY Schenectady Foundation continues to grow and empower students.

“The kindness of our community of donors has allowed the work of the Foundation to excel in many ways,” he said. “This record-breaking evening, for example, will give us the flexibility to support initiatives, programs, and facilities at SUNY Schenectady that provide more opportunities for our students.”