Dear Orange County Wine Society,

Thank you for making me a recipient of the Orange County wine Society Scholarship. I appreciate the generous support towards my educational goals.

I am currently enrolled in the culinary arts program at Orange Coast College, from which I am hoping to gain a degree in Advanced Baking and Pastry. Upon completing my degree, my dream is to work for any of the Disneyland and Disney affiliated restaurants.

By awarding me with this scholarship, I am able to continue funding my education. I made the decision to close my daycare center and embark on this journey. I have not been working since, and it is through your financial generosity that I am able to continue to pursue my dream. I hope that one day I can make a difference in the culinary field and give back to the college and community in any way that I can.

Sincerely, Martha K.

Dear Orange County Wine Society,

Thank you for your generous donation of $1,500. This donation will help me finish my last two semesters in the Culinary Program and receive my AS in Culinary Arts. This generous scholarship has helped me get with the various expenses accrued through my time on the Hot Foods Team at Orange Coast College.

With this support I was able to go with my team to compete in Nationals which took place in Orlando, Florida. It was very expensive to travel to the three competitions so the scholarship helped in alleviating some of these expenses. As a mother of two currently holding two jobs to make ends meet, this support was a blessing and one of the reasons why I was able to compete. We earned two gold medals (state and region), and a silver medal in nationals, which speaks great lengths about the program at Orange Coast College.

I am truly grateful to have been given this scholarship to help better my future. Hopefully someday I will be in a financial standpoint where I too, can help someone achieve their goals and dreams, just as you have done for me.

– Elizabeth J.

I wish to extend my greatest appreciation for your generous gift in support of my education as a Masters student at the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology. It has given me the opportunity to attend one of the best schools and departments in the nation. I intend to work diligently to excel academically and become a contributing member of the viticulture and winemaking community. Through my research in grape pathogens, I will strive to further the understanding of the problems faced by grape growers and work towards solutions that will benefit growers, winemakers, and consumers. Thank you again for your generous contribution on my behalf.

Best Regards, Jerry L.