Flathead Valley Community College invites lovers of Italian cuisine and world travel to its Big Night 5, a fundraising event to help pay for student scholarships for the annual Semester in Venice program.

The event has raised more than $66,000 for 18 Semester in Venice students since its inception.

The Venice trip, an immersive arts and language program in the city of canals, is entering its eighth year. Flathead Valley Community College art professor John Rawlings leads the trips.

The Big Night 5 event will take place June 5 at 6 p.m. in the Arts and Technology Building on the college campus.

An Italian-inspired meal has been planned by students of The Culinary Institute of Montana at FVCC under the instruction of chefs Howard Karp, Manda Hudak and Tracy Darue.

Offerings at the feast include antipasti (with Caprese salad, chicken liver mousse and pickled vegetables), lobster Bolognese, crispy porcini mushroom ravioli and many other delectables. Specially selected Italian wines will be available to complement the meal.

All proceeds from the event go to the La Serenissima Scholarship program. Tickets are $75, of which $40 is tax deductible. 

To buy tickets or for more information on the event, call 756-3632 or visit www.fvcc.edu/bignight.html.