Community Interest
Northampton Community College celebrates The Art of Food
Learn how NCC is investing in local students.
When nearly 400 business and community partners, alumni, and friends recently gathered at Northampton Community College’s (NCC) Bethlehem campus, they came together for more than an extraordinary evening of food and wine. They came together to invest in student success.
The 2026 Northampton Community College Food & Wine Gala, themed The Art of Food, transformed the campus into a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Throughout the evening, guests experienced firsthand how artistry can be expressed through cuisine, visual arts, music, and education.
The event featured a thoughtfully curated culinary experience led by Master of Wine Chris Cree and Executive Corporate Chef Christopher Heath of Paxos Restaurants, who collaborated with NCC’s culinary students to bring the evening’s vision to life. Guests enjoyed expertly paired wines, exceptional cuisine, and immersive artistic experiences that highlighted the talent and dedication of NCC students across multiple disciplines.
From live art demonstrations and student exhibitions to performances by NCC Summer Theatre students, the Gala showcased the creativity that flourishes throughout the college community. The atmosphere and decor, menu, and entertainment all reflected the evening’s theme and reinforced the connection between artistic expression and educational opportunity.
The true purpose of the Food & Wine Gala extends far beyond a memorable evening. As Northampton Community College’s largest annual fundraising event, the Gala has generated more than $3.4 million for student scholarships since its inception. Those funds help students pursue their educational goals, reduce financial barriers, and create pathways to brighter futures.
The success of this year’s Gala was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners who share NCC’s commitment to transforming lives through education. Their support helps ensure that students have access to the resources, opportunities, and experiences they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Northampton Community College extends its sincere gratitude to every sponsor who helped make this year’s Food & Wine Gala possible. Their partnership continues to create meaningful opportunities for students throughout the region.
To learn more about the Food & Wine Gala and the organizations that helped make this year’s event a success, including a complete list of sponsors, visit nccgo.cc/GalaSponsors.
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