SPC Gala Auctions, Raffle Committee make preparations to enhance scholarship event
LEVELLAND – South Plains College will host its biggest fundraising event for the college. The 20th Annual Scholarship Gala is slated for 6:30 p.m.. on Feb. 22 (Thursday) at the Mallet Event Center. This year's suggest attire is more casual than in the past to reflect the style of the featured entertainer Josh Abbott in his acoustic performance. Gentlemen in boots and blue jeans are as appropriate as ladies in the same or in stylish Texas dresses. Suggested attire can be summed up as "Stetsons and stilettos."
Each year the gala raises thousands of much-needed dollars for SPC scholarships. The Auctions and Raffle committee, which has already been working on the event for months, is an essential part of this fundraising effort.
This committee, comprised of community volunteers and SPC employees, is responsible for seeking item donations for the live and silent auctions. In addition to obtaining items for the auctions, the committee is also responsible for obtaining fun and exciting raffle items.
“Committee members have also chosen to expand their duties to not only gather all items for our auctions and raffle, but also to stage all items and create the centerpieces for our guest's tables,” said Stephanie Smith, alumni coordinator at SPC. “This committee is challenged each year to go the extra mile. They are absolutely essential to the success of this event.”
Smith said each year the committee collects unique treasures that will appeal to the gala attendees. In previous years, the auctions have included items such as sports memorabilia, jewelry, home décor and original artwork.
Some of the items attendees can look for will include a Kimber 9mm Texas Edition pistol, Bay Flats Lodge guided fishing package, Red folding chair Autographed by Bobby Knight, Cattleman Broiler custom created by SPC Welding Technology, Kendra Scott new spring collection jewelry, Scotch and custom tasting glasses, Custom inlaid cutting board by SPC faculty member David Etheredge, Private styling and shopping for six at The Dandy Lion and an Overnight stay and dinner at Overton Hotel.
“We always enjoy all of the different items we offer because it’s a direct reflection of community members, their generosity and their commitment to helping students at South Plains College,” she said. “We strive to collect a variety of items that will appeal to all guests at the event so that everyone has the opportunity to bid on items they will enjoy.”
Items at the gala will vary, and bidding on the prizes throughout the event is encouraged. Students will be available to assist bidders so that they may stay informed about the status of their bids without having to leave their table. Campus Ambassadors will serve as helpers throughout the evening.
“One thing to keep in mind is that all of the proceeds go directly to scholarships here at SPC,” she said. “So you can be confident that through your attendance and participation you’re making a direct impact on your community. The evening is dedicated to our students, the lifeline of South Plains College.”
For more information on how to donate, please contact Smith in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (806) 716-2103 or by email at slsmith@southplainscollege.edu.
UNIQUE TREASURES – Members of the Auctions and Raffle Committee are making preparations for South Plains College’s 20th Annual Scholarship Gala set for 6:30 p.m.. on Feb. 22 at the Mallet Event Center. The committee is not only responsible for gathering Live/Silent/Raffle items, but also the staging of all items and creating the centerpieces. Shown standing are, from left, Dee Dee Odorizzi, Robyn Reaves, J’Lyn Poage, Brandi McInroe and Stephanie Smith. Seated are Nanette Blair, left, and Suanne Alexander. Not pictured are Kristin Bingham, Lisa Delgado, Shelby Lewis, Amy Alexander, Katy Jo McCasland, Judy Bryant and Julie Gerstenberger. (SPC Photo)
