SPC’s 21st Annual Scholarship Gala will feature new jewelry event
LEVELLAND – “Unlimited Opportunities” is the theme of South Plains College’s 21st Annual Scholarship Gala slated for Feb. 28 at the Mallet Event Center. City Bank Texas is serving as host of the scholarship gala as they have since the event started.
The doors open at 6 p.m.. Guests arriving at that time will have the opportunity to
review all silent, live and raffle items. The silent auction bidding also begins at 6 p.m.. Dinner service starts at 6:30 p.m..
Previous to this, patrons with top-level sponsorships
will enjoy a private cocktail hour from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m..
As in years past, guest will enjoy a multi-course meal served at their table. Gala guests will be able to purchase beer and wine with all of the profits going to the fundraiser. The feature entertainment will be provided by select SPC ensembles from the Creative Arts Department. Other gala activities will include the silent and live auctions as well as several raffles.
New this year will be a Kendra Scott jewelry “pull” in which guests can purchase a chance for $65 to win items with a value of at least $65 and up to $250. Guests are not limited in the number of chances they can purchase. The event will operate under a first-come-first-serve basis until the event ends or all chances are sold.
“Participants can expect to receive items such as earrings from small studs to big dangles, short and long necklaces and bracelets,” said Meleta Atchison of Atchison Jewelry, the official distributor of Kendra Scott jewelry in Levelland.
“There will be a wide variety of pieces that will appeal to everyone,” Mrs. Atchison said. “I’m sure you can find a gift for someone – a daughter, niece or granddaughter – while supporting this worthy cause.”
Mrs. Atchison said there will be 45 Kendra Scott jewelry pieces for the “pull.” Atchison’s Jewelry was founded by the late H.D. Atchison and his wife June in Sundown in 1948. The family-owned business has been in Levelland since 1957. It is now a second and third generation proposition. Gary and Meleta Atchison, along with their son Chad, operate the business on a day to day basis.
Another highlight of the gala is the recognition of the Pacesetter Award honoree. Established in 2003, the Pacesetter Award is presented annually by South Plains College on recommendation of the South Plains College Foundation Board of Directors to recognize a philanthropist who has set the pace and inspired others to support SPC. The 2019 Pacesetter honorees are Mr. and Mrs. Terry and Shari Hill of Redmond, Wash.
“The SPC Foundation has provided more than 900 scholarship awards this academic year. For many students, scholarship support is the pivotal factor on which their decision to attend college is made. Our guests will have an enjoyable evening knowing they are helping increase opportunities for students to attend South Plains College,” said Julie Gerstenberger, director of development and alumni relations.
Mrs. Gerstenberger said there are opportunities for community involvement now and until the event itself. Interested patrons are invited to purchase tables and tickets now. All sponsorships levels are the same as for the last Gala with the top two featuring a VIP Meet and Greet Cocktail Hour immediately preceding the event. The sponsorship levels are Underwriting Partner – $7,500; Diamond Sponsor – $5,000; Ruby Sponsor – $2,000; Sapphire Sponsor – $1,000; and Gold Sponsor – $125.
To date, Diamond Sponsors for the gala include Richard and Carrie Ellis, Eagle Rubber and Supply, Worley Welding Works, Butch and Judy Bryant and Larry and Helen Roberts family.
Ruby sponsors are Sue Cole and Jim Cole, Smith South Plains Ford, Smith South Plains Lincoln, Bobby and Ann Capps, AimBank, Xcel Energy, Carylon Veretto, Buddy and Sarah Thompson, G&C Contracting, John and Lunette Dickson family, Prosperity Bank, HCSECU, McCutchin Construction/ZM Interiors and Ag Products.
Sapphire sponsors are Stephen and Emmalie John, Pam and Mike Moore, Amazing Space Storage Solutions, Plains Motor Supply, Earl and June Gerstenberger, Alliance Credit Union, the Center for Global Understanding and Covenant Hospital Levelland. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
“The purpose of the Scholarship Gala is to raise funds for scholarships,” Mrs. Gerstenberger said. “One hundred percent of the Gala proceeds go directly to student scholarships.”
For information on this fundraising event or other ways to support scholarships and students at South Plains College, contact Mrs. Gerstenberger at (806) 716-2020.
