Heritage University’s Bounty of the Valley Dinner Raises Record $1.29 Million for Student Scholarships
Students reveal the amount raised during the 39th Annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner on June 7, 2025 at Heritage University.
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Heritage University’s Bounty of the Valley Dinner Raises Record $1.29 Million for Student Scholarships
Toppenish, Wash.— Heritage University proudly announces that its 39th Annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner raised a record-breaking $1,297,744 this past weekend, marking only the second time in the event’s history that it has surpassed the $1 million milestone.
For the first time since its inception, the event was held simultaneously at two locations—on the university’s campus in Toppenish, Washington, and at Aerlume Restaurant in Seattle. Three hundred guess between the two venues celebrated the university’s mission and honored the students whose lives are transformed by scholarship support.
In Toppenish, Heritage alumni Alex Vera and Brenda Castaneda served as co-emcees, while fellow alum Gerardo Ruelas and Rueben Mayes, former WSU and NFL football standout, co-hosted the program in Seattle.
A highlight of the evening was the appearance of all four of Heritage’s presidents—Founding President Sister Kathleen Ross, SNJM, Second President John Bassett, current President Andrew Sund, and incoming President Christopher Gilmer—who collectively celebrated the university’s enduring mission and remarkable growth. This year also marked the fourth consecutive year the program was live-streamed, allowing a broader audience to join in the celebration online.
Student speaker Elsie Blackwolf, a junior double majoring in American Indian Studies and Social Work, shared her powerful story of how scholarships have enabled her to pursue higher education. She spoke of her deep commitment to the Yakama Nation and her plans to return and serve her community after graduation. The event also featured a heartfelt video of three graduating seniors reflecting on their academic journeys and expressing gratitude to donors.
Since its founding, the Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner has raised more than $11.6 million for student scholarships. Heritage University extends heartfelt thanks to the donors and sponsors whose generosity continues to change lives.
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