Autographed, framed Patrick Mahomes jersey leads SPC Scholarship Gala auction
LEVELLAND – Among the many things that make the South Plains College Scholarship Gala special are the unique and one-of-a-kind treasures that are featured in the auction. This year is no exception.A Patrick Mahomes Autographed Kansas City Chiefs (Red #15) Deluxe Famed Jersey will be available for bids when the auction opens at noon on Feb. 22. The item was donated by Brian Lewis and Tanner Terrell of Edward Jones in Levelland. The interactive auction will continue until just after the live stream of the event concludes.
The 23rd annual SPC Scholarship Gala will air at 6:30 p.m.. on Feb. 26 (Friday). The theme is “Embracing Opportunity.” To access the event and bid on auction items, log on to www.southplainscollege.edu/gala. The event may also be viewed on Fox News Now 34.2 but in order to purchase a sponsorship, bid in the auction or make a donation, a viewer will need to go online using either a computer or smart phone.
“Because 100 percent of event proceeds go directly to support South Plains College and SPC students, participants can enjoy the excitement of online bidding and take pride that their winning bid will be put to good use,” said Julie Gerstenberger, director of development and alumni relations at SPC.
The Auction Committee, which is comprised of volunteers from both SPC employees and
the community, began meeting last October. This year’s committee members are Suanne
Alexander, Tania Moody, Shelby Lewis, Robyn Reaves, Denise Esqueda, Melissa Cavazos,
J’Lyn Poage, Judy Bryant, Kristin Bingham, Dee Dee Odorizzi, Katy Jo Carson, Sarah
Stracener, Jenn Giffen and Gerstenberger.
Scholarship Gala participants began suggesting an online component be added to the annual event several years ago so employees in SPC’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations began researching options. A service was purchased before the pandemic and the online element was planned to be a new addition to add interest to the traditionally face-to-face event.
According to Gerstenberger, “The platform provider is a trusted one. Greater Giving is a Level 1 vendor which is the highest, most secure level of PCI compliance. They have been processing all online donations to SPC since 2011.”
Interested bidders will be required to register by providing basic contact information as well as one credit card to take part in the auction. Participants will be automatically updated on their bid status through text messages. Another feature in the auction will be the Buy Now option for those who do not wish to engage in bidding.
Another special treasure in the auction is an original oil on canvas entitled “Move through the Light” which measures 48 x 36 inches. According to the artist Kristy Kristinek, instructor of fine arts and Gallery Director at South Plains College, “My work resides solely in the spontaneous aspects of creation. I'm obsessed with the idea of repetitive movement inspired by dance, through the body as well as smooth, gesture-like moments that can be captured similar to a moment in time throughout a performance.
“Every inch, every aspect of the human body is used, physical and mental,” she said. “My own personal memory as a dancer contributes to the existing space I am creating. I try to capture this through various materials, the movement of my own body as well as the memory of movement that can become distorted and transparent.”
Additional unique pieces include an acoustic guitar autographed by Toby Keith and donated by Gene and Kate Allen with Krestridge Funeral Home; a 6V Porsche Macan Kids Ride-On Car for boys and girls ages 3 and older and donated by Odorizzi; a powder coated fire pit donated by Smith Iron and Design; a lifetime admission to the SPC Pistol Range donated by Kenny Burns; and more.
“Items are being added almost every day, so please go ahead and register online and take a look not only at the auction items, but also to see some of our generous sponsors and item donors.” said Gerstenberger.
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations has staff members available by phone from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. every Monday through Friday and will also be on call for help to participants until 8 p.m.. after the Gala concludes on Feb. 26.
For more information about the Scholarship Gala or other ways to support South Plains College and SPC students, please call (806) 716-2019.
