Generous supporters made sure the Southwestern Community College Foundation’s last two fundraisers were successful even though the actual events had to be canceled.
This fall, at last, it’s time to celebrate live and in-person with the eighth annual “Boots, Blue Jeans and Bling” gala. Set for 6 p.m. on Sept. 24, this year’s event will be held in the brand-new Harrah’s Cherokee Convention Center Ballroom.
Table sponsorships start at $1,500, and individual tickets are $150. All proceeds support student scholarships through the SCC Foundation.
“What sets our gala apart is the laid-back, relaxed atmosphere,” said Wendy LeMay, who once again is co-chairing the gala planning committee along with Lambert Wilson. “You can be yourself, have fun and enjoy conversation with a lot of wonderful people who want to help our students change their lives at SCC.”
Scheduled to perform is the versatile Asheville-based dance band Crocodile Smile. All attendees will enjoy a meal crafted by Harrah’s chefs along with a drink specially curated for the evening.
Handmade crafts and vacation packages will be just some of the items up for bid in the silent auction, and the wine pull features several labels that are valued at four times the ticket price of $25.
Guests can also play cornhole and participate in “Best-Dressed” and “Best Boot” contests.
“Our committee recently toured the event space, and it’s truly a beautiful ballroom,” said Wilson, who also serves as the SCC Board of Trustees Chair. “Every single year, our gala has grown and become even more impressive than the year before. The best part for me is hearing the students’ stories about the impact scholarships are making on their lives.”
Through a significant rise in endowed funds and growth of the annual gala, the SCC Foundation has been able to provide a record amount of scholarship funding each of the past few years.
However there are still a large number of students who need assistance.
“Our goal is to be able to provide assistance to every deserving student who needs a hand up,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC’s President. “We have come a long way, and events like our annual fundraising gala are a tremendous help as we make progress toward our goal.”
To sponsor a table or individual tickets, visit www.SouthwesternCC.edu/gala or contact Kathy Posey – SCC’s Institutional Development Associate – at 828.339.4227 or k_posey@SouthwesternCC.edu.
