Bringing a taste of Italy to Charleston, the TTC Foundation welcomed guests to this year's Bubbles & Blingo — an afternoon of bubbly, bingo and giving in support of TTC students.
Guests arrived at TTC's College Center and were immediately immersed in the Italian theme, sipping Carolina Moxy's signature "Blingo Breeze" mocktail, browsing raffle offerings and capturing photos at an Amalfi Coast-inspired backdrop complete with a baby blue Vespa.
The celebration continued in the ballroom, where faculty and students from the Culinary Institute of Charleston prepared an authentic Italian brunch featuring savory specialties such as shrimp
portofino, mushroom and asparagus frittata and porchetta with fennel, parsley and
rosemary, along with an assortment of tiramisu-inspired desserts.
As guests enjoyed the meal, the room buzzed with conversation, laughter and anticipation for the afternoon's main event. From the first toast to the final round of bingo, the atmosphere was lively and celebratory, with friendly competition and community spirit on full display.
Bingo brought an added layer of excitement — and generosity. Each round meant more than just one winner, with prizes awarded not only to the guest calling "Bingo," but also to those seated to the winner's left and right. Every attendee left with a prize or giveaway, ensuring the fun was shared throughout the room.
The creativity of guests also took center stage through themed attire, imaginative table décor and a centerpiece contest. Elaborate decorations, clever concepts and plenty of personality transformed the ballroom into a vibrant celebration of all things Italian.
Guiding the afternoon was Carolyn Murray of Channel 2, whose energy kept guests engaged, alongside TTC student Angela Tucker, a film and media major whose participation reflected the many ways students help make foundation events possible.
While the food, prizes and friendly competition made for a memorable afternoon, the true purpose of Bubbles & Blingo was to invest in TTC students and help remove barriers that stand between them and graduation. That mission came into sharp focus when recent graduate Lydia Walker took the stage to share her story.
A member of the Physical Therapist Assistant Class of 2026, Walker commuted nearly three hours each day from Georgetown while completing one of TTC's most demanding academic programs. After years of applying to PTA programs and facing rejection, she finally found her path — but not without significant financial challenges along the way.
Because of donor support, Walker and her classmates received assistance with essential expenses, including clinical requirements and licensing exam preparation.
"Your donations help move every roadblock and fear that came our way," she shared. "This foundation's impact goes far beyond just graduation."
Her story resonated deeply with attendees. During the special appeal, guests came together to raise $6,304 for the Bubbles & Blingo Scholarship Fund, providing direct support for students facing similar challenges.
"When guests hear a story like Lydia's, they see firsthand how donor support changes
lives," said Lisa Piccolo, executive director of the TTC Foundation and vice president
of development. "The generosity shown at Bubbles & Blingo helps students overcome
challenges, stay focused on their education and build brighter futures for themselves
and their families."
As she prepares for her licensure exam and the start of her career, Walker says she is inspired to one day give back and support future TTC students — a full-circle moment made possible by the generosity of others.
The event's success was made possible by dedicated sponsors who share a commitment to student success, including platinum sponsor Lynn Lillibridge, dignitary sponsor Suzanne Wallace and signature sponsors Anita Zucker, Nucor and Mary Graham.
Filled with Amalfi Coast-inspired charm and incredible generosity, Bubbles & Blingo showcased the power of a community coming together to remove barriers, create opportunities and support student success.
Watch highlights from Bubbles & Blingo and hear directly from students like Lydia.