TERRE HAUTE – Ivy Tech Community College hosted its second Bingo Benefit on Saturday, July 16, raising an estimated $10,000 to support Ivy Tech students. Presented by Prospect Bank, the event welcomed nearly 300 guests to campus for 20 rounds of bingo. The winner of each round got to choose one of 20 authentic Coach-brand purses. Proceeds from the event will support mental health services for Ivy Tech students, as well as continue to support the Deanna King Endowed Scholarship that was established as a result of the 2019 event.
“This year, the audience was able to collectively decide how to designate the proceeds to make a positive impact on our students,” said Chancellor Lea Anne Crooks, Ph.D. “Out of the seven impact areas, the participants selected mental health services. This is a critical area to support our students’ holistic success. The event proceeds will support our ongoing partnership with Valley Professionals Community Health Services and ensure mental health services are offered at no cost to the students.“
Ivy Tech launched its partnership with Valley Professional Community Health Center in November 2019. Since then, Ivy Tech students have access to on-campus counseling and mental health services at no cost. Counseling and mental health services help students manage everyday and academic stressors, navigate challenging family situations, work through PTSD, and more.
The bingo event was hosted and initially created by Deanna King, Ph.D., who has served as Ivy Tech’s vice chancellor of academic affairs since 2006. In 2019, the event proceeds established the Deanna King Endowed Scholarship which serves to support female students as they prepare to launch their careers.
“I continually see students excel here at Ivy Tech, but often I’ve noticed that even with outstanding academic achievement some students lack professional confidence,” said King. “The scholarship this event initially created provides students with one-on-one mentorship to help them hone their interview and professional skills and provides them with a stipend to acquire new business attire to feel confident going into job interviews.”
Many community partners supported the event including Prospect Bank, Westminster Village, and Massage Envy.
To learn more about giving to the Ivy Tech Foundation, including the variety of ways to make an impact, email terrehaute-foundation@ivytech.edu or call (812) 298-2389.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
