On April 25, 2026, more than 300 guests came together to fuel academic excellence at the Monroe Community College Foundation’s 28th Annual Gold Star Gala, presented by M&T Bank. The Country Club of Rochester was transformed into the Monaco Grand Prix for a high-octane, Formula 1-themed event.
In a record-setting lap, more than $400,000 net was raised to drive student success forward.
Thank you to our generous guests, hosts, sponsors, and our outstanding emcee, Doug Emblidge, for driving us to a trophy-worthy finish.
The bar is set high for next year’s event–stay tuned for more information coming soon.
The 28th Annual Gold Star Gala
Presented by M&T Bank
Honorary Chairs
Committee Chairs
Auction Advocates
The pinnacle of motorsports. The epitome of style. The one place in the world where the two belong together. It’s the Monaco Grand Prix, and you’re invited to soak in the high-speed thrills. Join us in this luxurious locale as we raise funds in support of the real winners: Monroe Community College students.
We know you have an eye for fashion, so put it on display. Elegant gowns and slim-cut suits, Ferrari reds, and Monaco blues. And for the racers among us, Italian leather gloves and sequined racing stripes will fit right in. Dress the part -- view the Fashion Inspiration Guide (PDF).
Learn more about the live auction, sweepstakes, and scholarship call at the Gold Star Gala.
Please email Karen Shaw (kshaw@monroecc.edu), assistant director of development at the Monroe Community College Foundation, or call 585.685.6020 for more information.
The fair market value of the goods and/or services provided to you by the MCC Foundation is $135 per ticket. Payment in excess is eligible for a tax donation.
The Monroe Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt not-for-profit organization. Funds raised from events support scholarship assistance, faculty enrichment programs, funding for educational equipment and seed money for innovative programs.