SPC to host 26th annual Scholarship Gala on Feb. 23

LEVELLAND – South Plains College will host its 26th annual Scholarship Gala at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the Mallet Event Center in Levelland. Sponsorships and seating are still available for the event, which will be hosted by City Bank. This year’s theme, “Thrive,” focuses on SPC’s dedication to see its students flourish during their time at the College.

“As one of our two major fundraising events for scholarships, the Gala is vital because so many of our students rely on scholarships for their schooling,” Samantha Goldie, SPC director of Development and Alumni Relations, said. “The Gala is when our community shows how much they believe in our students and the education they receive from South Plains College.”

Interested patrons are invited to purchase tables and tickets now while they are still available. Goldie said the event is almost at full capacity, and tables are going quickly. The sponsorship levels are Underwriting Partner ($7,500), Diamond Sponsorship ($5,000), Ruby Sponsorship ($2,000), Sapphire Sponsorship ($1,000) and Gold Sponsorship ($125).

All event proceeds will go toward scholarships for SPC students. Last year’s Gala brought in a record-breaking gross income of over $310,000.

Guests can expect to enjoy a three-course dinner (served at 6:30 p.m.), musical performances, access to the live and silent auction, raffles and a live testimony from a current SPC student. Attendees also will get the chance to meet the SPC students who volunteer at the event.

Trent Willmon, SPC alumnus and CMA award-winning producer, will be the featured entertainer this year. Alongside an SPC faculty band, he will perform a lineup of songs from his past record deal with Sony and a few songs recorded by other artists. SPC’s Thursday Nite Live (TNL) student band will also entertain attendees at the event. TNL members include singers Allora Leonard, Jeremiah Thomas and Mackenzie Walker; guitarist Steve Valderas; Meredith Guffey on bass and Peter Egbe on drums.

During the Gala, Scott and Jaime Bryant with Butch’s Rat Hole & Anchor Service will be honored with the 2024 Pacesetter Award. Established in 2003, the Pacesetter Award recognizes select benefactors who have provided exemplary support through their philanthropy, service or leadership that makes a difference in the lives of SPC students. The Bryants and Butch’s Rat Hole are longtime supporters of the College, and they most recently contributed to the 2023 Scholarship Gala and the Judy Bryant Outdoor Fitness Court (to be unveiled this spring).

“The SPC Gala is an incredible opportunity to directly provide scholarship assistance to our students,” SPC President Dr. Robin Satterwhite said. “Every year, I am amazed at the outpouring of support for our students and our college.”

Sponsorships and tickets for the Scholarship Gala are available by calling 806-716-2020 or at www.southplainscollege.edu/gala. For information about the Scholarship Gala or other ways to support SPC students, contact Goldie at 806-716-2020 or sgoldie@southplainscollege.edu.