“Events like this one are a great way to bring the community together,” said Kasey McKee, executive director of the SCC Foundation. “Plus, it ensures that a high-quality college education remains within reach for thousands of students each year.”

The theme was “Eat, Drink, Rock … for education!” and guests enjoyed a variety of eats and drinks and rocked out to Smash Band throughout the evening.

Ribs for the event were prepared by Ethyl's Smokehouse and Saloon in O'Fallon and Mannino's Market in Cottleville. Chick-fil-A donated chicken sandwiches, Dunkin Donuts donated assorted donut holes, Quintessential Catering served up nachos, popcorn and pickles, Krey Distributing Company provided Budweiser products and a wine bar was donated by Terra Firma USA Inc. Guests also enjoyed specialty teas and Freckled Lemonade donated by Red Robin. The SCC Catering Department donated coleslaw. 

“We were pleased to welcome a number of new sponsors and partners this year,” said Julie Zust, finance manager for Boeing Research and Technology and event co-chair. “And we owe much of our success to the more than 150 volunteers, including a team from UPS that handled most of the set-up for the event.”

In addition to Zust, the Rhythm and Ribs event co-chairs were Cindy Elking, owner of Quintessential Catering, and Chuck Pilliod, CFO at Krey Distributing Co.

The three “Main Stage” sponsors were Ameren Missouri, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital/Progress West HealthCare Center and SSM St. Joseph Health Center/SSM St. Joseph Hospital West.

“Rock Star” sponsors were Acropolis Investment Management, Commerce Bank, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Fastlane Convenience Stores, Krey Distributing, NHC HealthCare & Rehabilitation and UPS. “Ribster” sponsors were American Eagle Credit Union, Ceridian, Cuivre River Electric Cooperative, First State Bank, General Motors, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, State Farm Agent - Tom Wootten and THF Realty.

Now in its second year, Rhythm and Ribs attendance grew by 10 percent. According to McKee, plans are already under way for the third annual event in May 2012. 

For information or to learn more about the SCC Foundation's impact on students, contact Laura Powell, development and Foundation relations manager, at 636-922-8473, or lpowell@stchas.edu.

The St. Charles Community College Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, raises funds to support student scholarships and educational programs for the college. For more information on the SCC Foundation and its vision to transform lives and strengthen communities, visit www.stchas.edu/foundation.

Established in 1986, St. Charles Community College is celebrating 25 years as a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.