Event to be held Friday, March 6
(LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA) – The SOWELA Foundation will host its annual Taste of SOWELA fundraiser on Friday, March 6, 2026, benefiting student scholarships at SOWELA Technical Community College. The popular event showcases the College’s renowned Culinary Arts program and features an evening of unique food tastings, beer and wine vendors, live entertainment, and a blackjack tournament.
“Taste of SOWELA is more than a fundraiser—it’s an investment in our students and the future workforce of Southwest Louisiana,” said Heather Hidalgo, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. “Every ticket and sponsorship helps remove financial barriers and opens doors to education and career opportunities for our students.”
Proceeds from the event provide critical scholarship support for SOWELA students pursuing in-demand careers. Last year, the SOWELA Foundation awarded scholarships to 588 students, yet most scholarship requests were not fulfilled, underscoring the growing need for donor support.
SOWELA is committed to helping students graduate with little to no debt and does not participate in the federal student loan program, making scholarships an essential component of student success and access to higher education.
Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.sowela.edu/taste. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $1,000, with individual tickets priced at $125. Taste of SOWELA begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at SOWELA’s Culinary, Gaming and Hospitality Center, located at 3841 Senator J. Bennett Johnston Ave., Lake Charles, LA 70615.
For nine consecutive years, SOWELA has been named the No. 1 community college in Louisiana, according to Niche and WalletHub. SOWELA graduates rank first in the region and third statewide for highest median salaries, demonstrating a strong return on investment and reinforcing the College’s role as a key economic driver for the state.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.