VENTURA, Calif. - TelAve -- The Ventura College Foundation brought together more than 100 community leaders, donors, and advocates at its "Celebration of Success" on the Ventura College campus—an afternoon that honored 15 outstanding "Pirates of Distinction," and issued a call to action to complete its $7 million "Invest in Success" fundraising campaign.

Thanks to strong early support, more than $6.47 million has already been raised. With just under $600,000 remaining to reach the $7 million goal, the foundation is calling on the community to help cross the finish line. "Every gift helps keep students in classrooms, food on tables, and futures within reach," says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director.

The Pirates of Distinction were recognized for their long-standing dedication to student achievement and community service. They include Dr. Oscar Cobian and Felicia Dueňas, John Hammer, Dr. Ruth Hemming, Rob van Nieuwburg and Toyota, Richard Taylor and Lester Tong. Posthumous honors were awarded to David Bianco, Mary Guthrie, Myra and E.J. Harrison, Mayo De La Rocha, Miriam Schwab, Hon. Colleen Toy White and Helen Yunker.

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The Invest in Success campaign is designed to remove financial barriers so students can remain focused on their education without worrying about food insecurity or tuition costs. A new Giving Wall was unveiled on campus, where the names of all campaign supporters will be permanently displayed, no matter the size of the gift.

"Ventura College didn't just educate me," says John Hammer, a Pirate of Distinction. "It saved my life, introduced me to my wife, and gave me the engineering foundation for a successful career and meaningful philanthropy."

Donations to the campaign directly support Ventura College's Basic Needs Centers on the main Ventura Campus and on the  East Campus, which serves the Santa Clara River Valley. These centers provide groceries, snacks, clothing, housing assistance, mental health referrals, and daily hot meals to students experiencing food insecurity and financial hardship. Approximately 500 students access center resources each day, and the need continues to grow.

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Campaign funds also sustain the Ventura College Promise program, which provides two years of tuition-free education to first-time, full-time students. After state budget cuts threatened the program, the Foundation stepped in with $158,000 in gap funding during the 2024–25 school year so 4,000 eligible students could continue their education without interruption. Since its inception, the Promise has helped more than 25,000 students attend college tuition-free.

To learn about Invest In Success and to donate, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org/invest-in-success.