Hundreds of students get help fulfilling their dreams, thanks to generous donors across the community.

The Erie Community Foundation hosted its scholarship reception Wednesday evening at Gannon University, honoring some of the many recipients.

In all, 400 different Community Foundation donors contributed $775,000 to the education scholarship fund.

500 students will benefit, getting money for college, training programs, or college expenses, “To me it demonstrations not only the generosity of our community, but also the hope for the future because we have some really inspiring students in the room today,” said Karen Bilowith President and CEO of the Erie Community Foundation.

At Wednesday's reception, donors who have established scholarship funds had the opportunity to meet their student recipients.