The Middlesex Community College (MxCC) Foundation hosted the Luna on the Sound Gala on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The fundraiser, which took place at the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook, brought together over 100 guests, alumni, faculty, staff, students and volunteers to participate in the live auction and raffle.
The event raised approximately $30,000 in gross revenue to fund student scholarships and educational initiatives directly for the Connecticut State Community College Middlesex campuses in Middletown and Meriden.
“Our students are often the first in their family to attend college. Many are parenting students, returning adult students with multiple part-time jobs, or have are currently living in poverty. Your support of the foundation’s work to raise funds helps move them out of poverty and into meaningful living-wage jobs,” said campus President Joshua Moon-Johnson, Ed.D. “Your generosity also helps future generations to come.”
Laura Pieper, chair of the MxCC Foundation, introduced the board members and the event committee members.
“The foundation helps students move forward into meaningful careers such as health care and veterinary technology. While they are determined, determination may not be enough, so we rely on your investment in these programs, among others,” she said. “We appreciate all our sponsors and everyone who gives to the mission of the foundation.”
The live auction, led by DJ Dale Griffith of Into the Groove DJ Services as the auctioneer, featured exciting packages including a trip to Greece, an overnight stay at Foxwoods Casino with dinner, a New York City Broadway getaway, and a Yeti cooler filled with beach essentials and beverages, among other items. The silent auction offered signed several sports memorabilia, wine tastings, handcrafted dollhouses, a wide array of restaurant gift cards, and more.
Special appeal levels highlighted campus buildings, designated as follows: $1,000 donation as a Charles Wilbert Snow Sponsor, named after former Connecticut Governor Snow, who was instrumental in the founding of Middlesex Community College; $500 donation as a Phillip Wheaton Sponsor, named after the first Middlesex president, who served from 1966–1976; $250 as a Robert Chapman Sponsor, named after the second Middlesex president, who served from 1976–1989. Any other contribution of $100 or less goes toward the Founders Sponsorship. Donate here
Middlesex alum Jennifer Hernandez, Ed.D., faculty representative board member for the foundation, told the audience about her experience as a teen mother and the significant mission of a community college education.
“As a professor, I look to the future that my students sometimes can’t see,” said Dr. Hernandez.
Special thanks to Dreams Event by Kimberly for providing the 360° photo booth for attendees to enjoy.
Click here for full sponsor list.
The purpose of the Middlesex Community College Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is to support CT State Middlesex and its students by encouraging and securing charitable contributions through the foundation, and by managing and directing funds for scholarships, program and faculty development, instructional technology and equipment to create a learning environment that fosters student success.