Edison Foundation’s Holiday Evening a Success

Beatles tribute band, The Return, performs “A Hard Day’s Night” in front of a crowded gymnasium at the Edison Foundation’s annual Holiday Evening event.

Edison Community College held its 16th annual Holiday Evening event on Thursday, December 5, with renowned Beatles tribute band, The Return, as the headlining entertainment for the night’s festivities.

More than 360 guests attended the annual gala, which provides funding for the Edison Foundation’s General Scholarship Fund. Proceeds from the event directly assist recent high school graduates and those returning to the classroom to start, change or advance their careers.

“Holiday Evening on the surface may look like a time to dress up, enjoy good food and spectacular entertainment, but this event was started by members of our community who wanted to make a significant impact on the community,” said Kim Horton, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Hundreds of Edison students, many of them first-generation college attendees and graduates have benefited from this fund and especially this event.”

This year’s event raised more than $35,000, which will assist numerous students in the upcoming academic year, including the Thomas Alva Edison recipients, who are in the top 15% of their high school class.


“Our students live, work and raise families within our community. By preparing them with skills to be successful, we contribute to the economic vitality of our entire region. The investment in attending this event is realized over and over. It is truly an example of how Edison Community College is by the community and for the community,” added Horton.

This year’s entertainment brought the audience to their feet with a full set of Beatles classics, including “Twist and Shout” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” as well as traditional holiday hits.

“The energy at Holiday Evening was amazing. All of our lives have gotten so busy that it was nice to see people be able to take a little time to cut loose and enjoy themselves,” said Chris Haines, 2013 Holiday Evening Chair. “The community support for the event is always outstanding.”

The celebration of the holiday season includes past performances by world-renowned musician Tim Janis, Australia’s The Ten Tenors, Straight No Chaser, The Toledo Symphony Orchestra and former Tonight Show bandleader Doc Severinson.

To learn more about Holiday Evening and view a slide show of the evening’s proceedings and attendees, visit www.edisonohio.edu/holidayevening.