Actor, Bay Village Native Patricia Heaton Headlines Presidential Scholarship Luncheon
Event raises $850,000 to date to benefit students
Emmy-winning actor and producer Patricia Heaton shared stories of growing up in Ohio, motherhood, and the individuals who inspired her as she helped the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Foundation raise scholarship funds for students during its Presidential Scholarship Luncheon.
The Foundation’s 2022 Presidential Scholarship Luncheon has raised $850,000 to date in critical funds to help Tri-C students with financial needs pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.
Heaton, a Bay Village native, served as keynote speaker at the event, which took place Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel on Public Square. The luncheon was presented by PNC Bank. Christi Paul, anchor of WKYC-TV’s What’s Now, moderated the discussion with Heaton. Paul recently returned home to Northeast Ohio after 20 years at CNN.
Since its inception in 1992, the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon has raised $23 million to help students with financial need pursue higher education and achieve their academic and career goals.
“The funds raised by this event allow us to help grow the next generation of skilled workers who are essential to the success of our local economy,” said Patrick Pastore, PNC regional president for Cleveland and chairperson of the Tri-C Foundation. “We are grateful for our supporters who invest in Tri-C students and provide access to transformative education opportunities.”
Heaton adds to the list of distinguished speakers to headline the event, joining past U.S. Presidents George W. Bush (2014) and Bill Clinton (2013), and entertainers Oprah Winfrey (2002), and Harry Belafonte (1996).
A three-time Emmy Award winner, Heaton is best known for her roles on Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle. She won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and was nominated seven times for her role as Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond. Heaton also received a Best Comedy Actress award from Viewers for Quality Television, a SAG Award and three SAG nominations in the Best Actress category for the role.
Heaton produced the 2005 documentary The Bituminous Coal Queens of Pennsylvania and co-produced the 2006 drama Amazing Grace. In 2015, she hosted and produced Patricia Heaton Parties on Food Network, which won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2016 for Outstanding Culinary Program.
She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012.
“About half of Tri-C students are seeking a workforce credential, but their financial aid options are limited,” said Megan O’Bryan, Tri-C Foundation president. “Thanks to our generous supporters, the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon ensures that students can receive critical scholarship support to enroll in programs that lead to life-changing careers.”
Event co-chair sponsors included AT&T, A Taste of Excellence, The Brewer-Garrett Company, Cleveland Clinic, Consolidated Solutions, Steve and Dana Demetriou, The Lerner Foundation, Medical Mutual, and Pepsi Beverages Company, WKYC Channel 3, and Westfield Foundation.
October 20, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu