The State Fair Community College Foundation’s second annual Sweetheart Gala Feb. 13 raised more than $69,000 for the Daum Endowment for Education.

More than 280 people attended the event held in the museum and Parkhurst Student Commons on campus.

Proceeds from the evening of dining, dancing and auctions go to support the Daum Escape, an educational event for thousands of area fifth-grade students; artist talks and art forums; the museum resource center; and other educational opportunities in the museum.

“Thanks to all our guests and donors for making the 2010 Sweetheart Gala a wonderful success,” said Jackie Almquist, executive director of the SFCC Foundation, which sponsored the event. “Last year we raised $35,000, so this huge increase is amazing. Sedalians definitely showed their support for the arts and the college!”

Barbara Lamy Cooney served as honorary event chairwoman. The University of Central Missouri Jazz Band also provided live music.

A silent auction featured pottery and hand-painted silk ties and scarves created by SFCC art faculty and students.

Local auctioneer Col. Donnie Ditzfeld, who donated his services for the second year, charmed and cajoled the audience as he auctioned works of art by SFCC faculty, local artists and students from Camp Blue Sky; a piece of a Dale Chihuly glass chandelier; and other items donated by audience members.

The highlight of the evening was the Sedalia Stars dance competition, which featured couples from the college and the community performing a variety of dance routines. Last year’s Sedalia Stars participants also performed and judged the competition.

This year’s dancers included Erica Eisenmenger and Jim Buckley; Tracy Mallard and Don Weaver; Lisa Shoemaker and Max Mitchell; Gena Swearingen and Don Luper; and Robyn Wadley and David Callis, who won the event with votes from judges and cash votes from the audience.

A photo slide show of the evening may be viewed online at www.sfccmo.edu/sweetheartgala.