Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Foundation
Each December, community members John Doan and David Marks host Brunch with a Purpose, in partnership with the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Foundation. This annual event raises funds for scholarships and emergency grants for LGBTQ+ students, as well as other SPSCC students in need. Since 2018, the event has raised over $100,000 in contributions to the LGBTQ+ Student Success Fund.
Growing Support Helps SPSCC Students Meet Their Goals
The fundraising brunch at Nicole’s Bar in downtown Olympia continues to garner increasing support from local supporters. Over 100 SPSCC supporters and their guests gather for a vibrant holiday celebration featuring a delicious meal, a lively silent auction, and an exciting raffle – all to raise funds for students.
In 2024, five Community partners and nine Mini Grant partners played a key role in raising $50,000 for the LGBTQ+ Student Success Fund. These contributions, along with private donations, support scholarships and emergency grants to help students stay on track toward achieving their academic goals in 2025.
Amber Wetzel, SPSCC Foundation’s director of philanthropy, expressed gratitude for the continued generosity of both business and individual supporters, saying, “Thanks to our generous community, we’ve raised significant funds this year to support future scholarships and grants.”
In the previous year, the LGBTQ+ fund supported 49 students through scholarships and emergency grants. One recipient shared how the scholarship has helped her continue her journey to becoming an IT professional:
“I love it here at SPSCC, I wish I would have known about the opportunity to start here sooner. Every person I have encountered has been an amazing support system for me, the instructors, employees, this campus is just amazing. After graduating, I’d love to find a job in IT that supports the LGBTQI+ community. It’s important for me to give back because that is how a functioning society remains functional.”
Turning a Holiday Party into Something Greater
For John Doan and David Marks, the philanthropic roots of Brunch with a Purpose extend beyond 2018. Their tradition of hosting purposeful events began years earlier. John, known throughout the region as Tumwater’s former City Administrator, has a legacy of service to local communities. David, a designer and owner of David Marks Studio in Olympia, laid the foundation for the festive event. Together, they transformed their annual celebration into a platform for promoting community-driven philanthropy.
David recalls the first Party with a Purpose in 2008: “We wanted to add a giving back component to our holiday gathering. That year, there was a huge snowstorm and only six guests made it to the party. Other friends and family still showed up via phone calls and texts, donating and bidding on items and raising money for the food bank.”
In 2018, John and David decided to partner with SPSCC to raise funds for students through their Party with a Purpose event. Their goal was for the funds not only to provide scholarships but also to support small grants for LGBTQ+ students in need of emergency assistance, such as rental help or automotive repairs.
As the event grew in popularity, a larger venue was needed. In 2022, the event expanded and became Brunch with a Purpose when Nicole Andres, owner of Nicole’s Bar, partnered with David, John, and SPSCC to host the celebration.
John and David share their inspiration: “Our driver in doing Brunch with a Purpose was the cause – a belief in these students. It is great to donate to support something and obviously the event’s success depends on that, but we got here with the small step of inviting a few people to our house who shared a common interest in supporting a cause. It started really simply. Over time, it grew. We think of it as crowdsourcing for a common cause. We took the opportunity to educate people about something we cared about, and more people showed up. Over time, it grew to what it is now with Nicole’s Bar full of people who care deeply about these students and are willing to help them. Anyone could start the same way, take a small step.”
Today, months of planning and generous contributions from community partners continue to fuel the event’s success. While it remains a festive gathering, it also gives supporters a chance to see firsthand how impactful their contributions to the LGBTQ+ Student Success Fund are for students.
John and David concluded, “We feel humbled by the outpouring of support we have seen in the community. The event has really taken off and people leading organizations reach out to us and want to be a part of it. People understand the need and want to see these students achieve their education dreams and want to ensure they will be prepared to join the workforce. Our community needs them.”
Gratitude for Community Support
Thanks to a collaborative group of supporters, Brunch with a Purpose has successfully blended fellowship and holiday cheer with a meaningful platform to advance student success. Local community partners like SCJ Alliance, Nicole’s Bar, Puget Sound Energy, Kaiser Permanente, and Forma Construction played a crucial role in making the event possible.
Amber Wetzel shares, “Our team is incredibly grateful for David and John. Their energy and commitment to our LGBTQ+ students are inspiring. This event is one of my favorites and they make it so much fun each year.”
Support Student Success for All
You can help ensure every student has access to quality education by contributing to student success at SPSCC. Your support, including donations to the LGBTQ+ Student Success Fund, has a lasting impact on students’ educational journeys.
Visit the SPSCC Foundation’s Give Now page to explore giving options or contact the Foundation office at Foundation@spscc.edu or 360-596-5430 to learn more.
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