Every year, Southwestern Community College’s fundraising gala draws large, generous crowds that are passionate about helping students achieve their dreams.
This year was no exception.
The 11th annual “Boots, Blue Jeans & Bling” completely filled the Event Center at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and raised more than $165,000 – a record-breaking amount that will entirely support student scholarships.
“Our gala planning committee members are incredibly passionate about supporting our students; their energy and enthusiasm is contagious,” said Dr. Don Tomas, President of SCC. “We are also extremely blessed and fortunate to have so many generous folks in the community who come out and support our students. Every year, we have a wonderful time. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s all about creating opportunities for our students to have a brighter future.”
This year’s event got a significant boost from several unique silent auction items, including an autographed baseball and memorabilia from Jackson County native and Seattle Mariners’ star Cal Raleigh.
More than 450 guests were also treated to a gourmet meal prepared by the chefs at Harrah’s, an energetic concert by the versatile house band Crocodile Smile and a 360 video booth. As always, though, the primary highlight was midway through the evening when a couple of students took the stage to tell their stories.
Shaughn Harrington and Geilsha Diaz addressed the crowd, telling of the obstacles they’ve been able to overcome thanks in large part to the gifts and generosity of those who’ve given to the SCC Foundation over the years.
“Students are the reason we do this,” said Wendy LeMay, who co-chairs the Gala Planning Committee along with Charles Wolfe. “Every year, I read the scholarship applications from students who are needing a hand up in order to improve their lives. Being able to say, ‘Yes’ to more of those students every year is extremely rewarding, and the growth of this gala over the years is a huge reason for that.”
Added Wolfe: “When I think back to some of the earliest galas I attended, it’s hard to believe we’ve grown this much and that we’re able to raise this much money for our students. It’s humbling to see the spirit of generosity in that room.”
The 12th annual gala will be held on Sept. 26, 2026, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
For more information about the Gala, the SCC Foundation or how you can support Southwestern’s students, visit www.SouthwesternCC.edu/gala or contact Allison Kaserman at 828.339.4227 or a_kaserman@SouthwesternCC.edu.
