The American River College Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society hosted their first annual fundraising banquet at the Timber Creek Ballroom in Roseville on Saturday.

The fundraiser consisted of an art showcase and auction, a dessert auction, silent auction, live music and a dinner catered by the Timber Creek Ballroom.

The purpose of the event was to bring the community together to showcase what ARC and its students have to offer, while benefiting the honor society and their services.

Phi Theta Kappa Vice President of Membership, Hani Lakkis, was excited that the day had finally come for an event they had worked so hard on.

“We’re hoping for a lovely night,” Lakkis said. “We want our guests to have a great time and enjoy themselves.”

“We really appreciate their support,” Lakkis said.

Project organizer Kevin Jenco expressed his appreciation for ARC throughout the night.

“ARC is more than a school, it’s a community and I thank everyone who participated tonight,” Jenco said.

“The campus does so much for its students and we wanted to have an event that not only benefits us, but to give back to a campus that has given so much to us,” Jenco said.

The event was filled with contributions from ARC and the families of Phi Theta Kappa members.

The art showcase featured pieces made by ARC students, and the culinary department provided cakes, cookies and handmade chocolates for the dessert auction.

Live music was provided by the school’s jazz band “The Initiative”, and student photographers were on hand to take photos of guests.

ARC students Karol Benning, Catherine Seron and Monica Medrano were first, second and third place winners of the art showcase, and all received cash prizes.

Photography student David Gary volunteered his services for the night.

“Photography is what I’m trying to get into and I look at this opportunity as a way to gain experience and become a more established photographer,” Gary said.

The jazz band received lots of praise from guests and Phi Theta Kappa members throughout the night.

“The band was fantastic,” Jenco said. “I’m so happy we were able to get them to play.”

The band’s singer, Raven Kauba, said she appreciated the opportunity for their band to come out and play for such a great cause.

The money raised will be allocated to various club activities, including Phi Theta Kappa’s service project with the Women’s Empowerment group and the Model United Nations.

The event ended with Phi Theta Kappa President Xavi Aquino thanking everyone involved with the fundraiser, including all members, club adviser Matthew Register, the Jenco family for helping fund the event and all guests in attendance.

Patty Jenco said that she was honored to help fund the event and hopes that the honor society continues on with the fundraisers.

“I raised my children to get involved and I want to be supportive of that,” Patty Jenco said. “This is their first fundraiser, hopefully they continue on with this event.”