MOSES LAKE — Keynote speaker Aldo Farias said the money donated during the Cellarbration for Education dinner benefiting the Big Bend Community College Foundation was more than a donation. 

Farias is a senior in BBCC’s four-year applied science degree program, and the scholarships he receives through the foundation make a crucial difference, he said. In fact, scholarship supporters may not know how crucial, something he said he learned when talking with one. He thanked her for the help she had given to him. 

“I remember the way she responded to me; it really stuck with me. Because what seemed like just money to them was really the difference between struggling and succeeding for students like myself,” he said. “I hope that you all realize the impact that your contributions have on students like me and the rest of here at Big Bend. It may just be money for you, but it’s possibilities for us.” 

The alternative for students like him, Farias said, would be student loans and the struggle to pay them back. 

“Scholarships give us the hope, the drive and the opportunity to continue with our educational journeys,” he said.  

Foundation director LeAnne Parton said tall he money raised goes back to the students in the form of scholarships.  

“Every dollar is an investment in our students and their future,” Parton said. 

A final total was not available at press time.  

The Cellarbration crowd filled the ATEC building, with foundation board members and volunteers pouring the wine. People chatted and perused the silent auction items prior to dinner. Former foundation director Doug Sly remembered the first Cellarbration back in the day. The first event raised about $20,000, he said, which impressed and pleased the foundation board and college officials.  

“And now look at it,” Sly said.  

Kathryn Christian is the chair of the Samaritan Healthcare Commission, and an instructor in BBCC’s nursing program. The scholarships are crucial in helping students to succeed, she said.  

The evening featured a slide show of scholarship beneficiaries, and Christian said she saw some familiar faces. 

“I’ve got students up on that (slide show) screen,” Christian said.  

Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis said BBCC has been a good partner with MLSD in furthering education opportunities for students. 

“It’s a really important cause to support,” Lewis said.  

Big Bend President Sara Thompson Tweedy cited some of BBCC’s successes, including a strong financial position, expanding degree programs and a graduation rate that’s well above the aggregate for the state’s community and technical colleges. 

“I believe the reason Big Bend is as successful as we are is because everyone here believes in the mission, and the mission is pretty simple – let's take care of our students,” she said. 

All the money raised through Cellarbration goes to furthering that mission, Tweedy said. 

“Every dollar is used to get them here, keep them here and get them out of here with a diploma,” she said. 

Farias is a native of Royal City, the son of immigrants who worked hard to support their children, he said. He wants to make them proud, he said, and with the help of the foundation scholarships he will graduate with a bachelor’s degree. 

“My parents are the most hard-working, selfless and kind people, and I want to honor them in everything I do,” Farias said. “So your scholarships are helping me pursue my education and alleviating the stress that comes with college. I and all the scholarship recipients here at Big Bend truly appreciate the contributions you’ve been able to provide.” 

    Keynote speaker and scholarship recipient Aldo Farias explains what scholarships mean for students during the Cellarbration fundraiser at BBCC.
  

    The BBCC drum line did a walk through the ballroom during Cellarbration Saturday night.
  

    Big Bend President Sara Thompson Tweedy talks about the college and the value of scholarships during Cellarbration, BBCC’s annual scholarship fundraiser.
  

    The BBCC ballroom was packed for Cellarbration 2025.
  

    Attendees look over the silent auction items at the BBCC Cellarbration scholarship fundraiser.