Raising financial support for future and current students at South Plains College was the goal for this year’s Scholarship Gala.
The 21st Annual Scholarship Gala at South Plains College was held February 28. This year’s event was hosted by City Bank at the Mallet Event Center in Levelland, Texas.
According to Julie Gerstenberger, director of development and alumni relations at South Plains College, “This year’s Scholarship Gala was very successful.”
“The event was very close to a sellout,” she added. “But last year’s gala was a complete sellout. This year’s Scholarship Gala was a success.”
More than $228,000 was raised at this years Scholarship Gala, according to Gerstenberger.
The Scholarship Gala is an annual event that brings together a community that raises money for student scholarship awards. Raising funds is the main reason for having the gala, but it also gives SPC a chance to show guests how much their donations are valued and how a scholarship award can impact a student’s academic success, according to Gerstenberger.
The theme for this year’s event was “Unlimited Opportunities.” The gala is responsible for creating opportunites for students who want to continue their education.
This event is planned in advance, and tickets were sold months before.
While students choose to further their education, scholarship awards are able to assists students financially. All profits from the gala go directly to student scholarships.
“My favorite part of the night is being able to see how amazing this fundraiser is, and how much money is raised for student scholarships,” said Gerstenberger.
The night began with a private cocktail hour for guests with top-level sponsorships. This was the second time that alcohol was available for sale at the event, with all profits from sales going into the scholarship funds.
Guests were seated and served a meal while entertainment was provided by students in the Creative Arts Department at SPC. There were three performances delivered by students attending SPC.
Also participating in the event were Campus Ambassadors who represent SPC and the college’s values. Guests also participated in live and silent auctions, as well as raffles.
“The Scholarship Gala is a benefit for the students and the student ambassadors that get to attend and participate in the evening,” said Gerstenberger.
Last year, students attending SPC received more than 900 scholarships.
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