SPC’s 2021 Annual Scholarship Gala open to the public
LEVELLAND – South Plains College announces its 23rd Annual Scholarship Gala slated for 6:30 p.m.. on Feb. 26 (Friday) will be a live stream event that is open to the public. Many of the traditions synonymous with the gala will be included such as the presentation of the Pacesetter honor, the silent auction, SPC student and alumni musical entertainment and compelling student stories. Links to all parts of the Scholarship Gala are found on the SPC website and can be accessed directly by visiting www.southplainscollege.edu/gala.
“Embracing Opportunity” is the fundraising theme this year. A quote attributed to Albert Einstein expands on the theme and serves as a reminder that support for SPC students may be needed now like never before.
“One can find variations on the quote ‘In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity,” said Julie Gerstenberger, director of development and alumni relations, “but the idea is consistent: troubled times offer opportunities for us to help one another. We are in such a time.”
“The purpose of the event is unchanged,” she said. “The Gala is the college’s most important fundraiser for college-wide scholarships."
Established in 2003, the Pacesetter Award is presented annually by South Plains College on the recommendation of the South Plains College Foundation Board of Directors to recognize philanthropy that has set the pace and inspired others to support SPC. As in previous years, a video package will introduce the honorees and tell the story of their motivation for supporting the College.
One of the most popular segments of the gala is the auction which features unique treasures and collectibles. Bidding will open on Monday, Feb. 22 so supporters will have several days to enjoy the excitement of placing bids.
Gerstenberger said the planning for an online auction was actually started several years ago with the encouragement of Gala attendees so her office was prepared to handle the restrictions currently imposed by the pandemic. This year’s Auction Committee members started their work in October and continue working diligently to gather items. Donations of items or cash are welcome.
Christy Hartin, SPC alumna and anchor personality at KCBD TV Channel 11, will serve
as the mistress of ceremonies for the gala. Hartin will also shares her story about her time as a student at South Plains College.
One hundred percent of the Gala proceeds go directly to student scholarships.
Sponsorship levels for the 2021 gala are mostly unchanged from last year but because it is a live stream event 100 percent of all sponsorships and donations are tax deductible this year. The top sponsorship levels are Underwriting Partner – $7,500; Diamond Sponsor – $5,000; Ruby Sponsor – $2,000.
Current Underwriting Partners are Larry and Mary Montgomery. Diamond Sponsors are Smith Auto Family, Pat and Annette Sykora; Terry and Shari Hill; Great Western Dining; and Richard and Carrie Ellis. The Ruby Sponsor is Krestridge Funeral Home, Gene and Kate Allen.
Additional sponsorship levels include; Sapphire Sponsor – $1,000; Pearl Sponsor -- $500; and Gold Sponsor – $125.
Current Sapphire Sponsors are Amazing Space Storage Solutions, Brett and Rita Paxton; Larry and Helen Roberts; BGR Architects, Inc.; Mark Gottschalk; Thunder on the Plains; and Jeff and April Hyde. Pearl Sponsors are Thompson Farms and Shear Imagination; Robbie Stansifer; Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Association of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, Dr. Alice White; Pam Moore and also Carlyon Veretto. Gold Sponsors are Danny Grant Agency; Dane and Jeri Ann Dewbre; and Zach and Robyn Reaves.
For more information about the Scholarship Gala or other ways to support South Plains College and SPC students, please contact Mrs. Gerstenberger at (806) 716-2020 or by email at jgersten@southplainscollege.edu.
