Friday evening, May 31, nearly 200 friends of The J. F. Ingram State Technical College Foundation gathered for an evening of al fresco dining at Prattville’s Rocky Mount Performance and Event venue.

After a stop for a commemorative photo, guests mingled and toured the silent auction which featured work by ISTC students from the welding, upholstery, cabinetmaking and carpentry programs. The Goat Hill band provided entertainment during the pre-dinner welcome hour.

A buffet-style catfish dinner was followed by the highlight of the evening – a performance by southern humorist “Sean of the South” Dietrich.

Foundation liaison Brannon Lentz described the evening as more than just a night of good food and great entertainment. “This was also a time to share with our community the positive differences Ingram State makes in the lives of our students every day.”

In addition to ticket sales, Lentz recognized 28 corporate sponsors for the event. He explained that proceeds from the evening will be used to provide ISTC graduates with tools and equipment needed to begin employment, and to offset the costs of industry certification and licensure testing and fees.

“Many of our graduates lack access to basic resources, while others may have never held a job or been chronically underemployed,” said Lentz. “Providing them with tools for the job not only equips them to succeed, it reinforces that they are now ready to be a valuable part of Alabama’s workforce.”