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| SCC graduate Nadya Heller is an administrative assistant at Landmark Realty in Cashiers and is working toward her bachelor’s degree at Western Carolina. |
Click here for more information about "Wine and Dine Under the Stars" gala
As a 24-year-old living in a new country, Nadya Heller was a bit intimidated by the idea of starting her higher education at Southwestern Community College.
“I remember how scared I was at the very beginning,” recalled Heller, who’s originally from Belarus. “I didn’t know what to expect. But the people in admissions and financial aid, and all the instructors, were wonderful. The tutors helped a lot too.”
Heller now works as administrative assistant for the co-founder at Landmark Realty in Cashiers and is working toward her bachelor’s degree at Western Carolina University.
“Being that I’m an immigrant, SCC opened many doors,” Heller said. “For me, SCC was the first step toward success in the U.S.”
In order to help provide a better future for more area residents, the SCC Foundation is holding a “Wine and Dine Under the Stars” gala as a scholarship fundraiser on July 19 at the Cashiers Village Green Commons.
Fine cuisine will be catered by The Orchard restaurant, and musical entertainment will be provided by Pinnacle Ridge featuring John Warren and Bill Coward – along with classics singer Steven Johannessen.
The event will include a raffle, door prizes and a silent auction.
“Southwestern Community College educates and trains the people who serve you and I right here in our charming village,” said Cashiers businessman Jim Zoller, chairman of the SCC Foundation. “The people who help you find your new home got their education at SCC. The cosmetologist who styles your hair, the nurse who holds your hand when you’re sick and the mechanic who fixes your car when it breaks down – all of these folks and many more learned those skills at SCC.
“This gala is a chance for you to help more people get a quality education at Southwestern,” Zoller added.
The event will benefit the Student Success Campaign, which aims to raise more than $1 million through the community’s generosity and with the help of a federal challenge grant that matches every dollar (up to $300,000) raised by Sept. 1, 2014.
“So many students come to us every year needing financial assistance to make their educational dreams come true, and we want to be able to help more of them,” said Mary Otto Selzer, director of the SCC Foundation. “The gala is an opportunity for you to make education possible for more students – all while enjoying a wonderful evening with your friends.
For more information, please contact Kathy Posey at 828.339.4227 or k_posey@southwesterncc.edu.
Tickets are on sale online at www.southwesterncc.edu/foundation/gala or can be purchased at Zoller Hardware, Scotlyn’s Yard Nursery, Tangles, Dovetail Antiques and the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets can be purchased individually. Tables may be sponsored by individuals or businesses.
