South Plains College held the 25th Annual Scholarship Gala on February 24.
The “Silver Celebration” was deemed a successful fundraiser that garnered a record-breaking $303,580 to benefit student scholarships.
“The gala was a huge success!” exclaimed Dr. Robin Satterwhite, president of South Plains College. “We are consistently amazed at the outpouring of support and generosity that our community shows for our college and our students. So many people invested a great deal of time and energy to ensure that the event was successful, and we are grateful for those who came out to support SPC!”
The Scholarship Gala was presented by underwriting partners Hockley County School Employees Credit Union and Allied Oilfield, and one hundred percent of proceeds go toward student scholarships. The evening was well-attended by community members and supporters of the college, and SPC alumnus Heath Wright and his band, Ricochet, put on a memorable musical performance.
Preceding the Scholarship Gala, invited guests attended the VIP Meet & Greet reception sponsored by Joe Dee and Melanie Brooks. The musical entertainment on the concourse was provided by Commercial Music student Lainie Nelson of Plainview, and the dinner portion of the evening included a live art performance by SPC faculty member Kristy Kristinek and the SPC Electric Jazz Ensemble. Comprised entirely of SPC students, the Electric Jazz Ensemble features Jacob Ward on drums, Jacob Blackmon and Phil Eubanks on guitar, Canyon Clark on electric bass and Ford Brehmer on piano. Students in this ensemble study the performance practices specific to different jazz styles and focus on improvisational concepts.
The evening’s featured entertainment was provided by SPC alumnus Heath Wright and Ricochet. Wright is the lone remaining original member of the band, and the other band members include Chris Hempfling of Poteau, Okla.; Larry Hight of Springdale, Ark., Bruce Bennett of Lowell, Ark., and Rick Toops of Moore, Okla. Even while on the road touring, Wright continues to be involved with SPC and faithfully serves as a member of the SPC Commercial Music Advisory Board.
Wright surprised attendees when he rushed the stage during the special appeal and presented a check for $11,500 to establish the Heath Wright “What You Leave Behind” Scholarship. Later during Ricochet’s musical performance, Wright championed guests to donate and collected another $11,000 for his endowment scholarship.
Gala patrons were served a gourmet meal prepared by the staff of Great Western Dining, Inc., and then participated in a live and silent auction as well as a raffle that featured unique items donated by Levelland and Lubbock businesses and friends of the South Plains College Foundation. After a riveting back-and-forth between participants, the live auction raised $112,000, and the silent auction generated $23,000.
The festivities culminated with the recognition of South Plains College’s 2023 Pacesetter Award winner and SPC alumnus, Joe Dee Brooks. During each Gala, the Pacesetter Award recognizes a select benefactor or group of benefactors who have provided exemplary support through their philanthropy, service or leadership that makes a difference in the lives of SPC students. Brooks has been a longtime supporter of the college, and his most recent contribution has been to the Welding Building Expansion Project. Brooks said that during his time on the SPC Foundation Board, he saw how appreciative the students were of the scholarships they were awarded to attend South Plains College.
The success of the evening was shared by everyone associated with the college.
“It was truly a night to remember! I’m continuously amazed by this community’s dedication to SPC students and desire to help them grow,” said Samantha Goldie, director of development and alumni relations. “Our supporters understand why scholarships are so vital to our student body, and the Scholarship Gala is the perfect opportunity to get everyone involved. It was so fun to see alumnus Heath Wright work the crowd and just be a real testament to the caliber of students we produce here. I just can’t thank everyone enough for making the gala’s 25th anniversary truly special.”