l-r: Roberta Harless, WCC Director of Financial Aid; Allison Phillips, WCC Foundation Executive Director; Lee K Cornett, John A. Walker Center Senior Customer Service Relations Specialist; and Denna Parsons, WCC Volunteer Coordinator.
The Wilkes Community College Foundation hosted a Valentine’s Gala on Saturday, February 15, in the Lakey Ballroom at the John A. Walker Community Center. Proceeds from the event netted approximately $17,000, which will support the new Keys to Success Scholarship Program Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to raise funds to support two new scholarship programs: the Presidential Scholarship and the WCC SAGE (Supporting Academic Goals for Education) Fellows Program.
The Presidential Scholarship rewards high-achieving students for their commitment to their education and their decision to attend Wilkes Community College. The Sage Fellows Program provides qualifying students with scholarship, mentoring, advising, and the support of a cohort specifically geared toward completion and success.
The evening opened with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Guests enjoyed the world-class dinner prepared by renowned Walker Center Chef, Nicole Burrell. The theme for the evening was “Hooray for Hollywood”. Special events committee member Connie McNeill spearheaded the décor for the star-studded event from walking the red carpet to dancing the night away to the live band, Too Much Sylvia.
Organizers of the event included Evelyn Bumgarner, special events committee chairperson; Connie McNeill, special events committee; Stacee Whitley, WCC Foundation; and Allison Phillips, WCC Foundation.
Event Sponsors for the Gala were Lee and Pam Herring, Arnold and Becky Lakey; supporting cast included 50’s Snack Bar, 6th and Main Bar, Restaurant and Catering, A & J Rental Service, B & R Service, Inc., Blue Ribbon Lawn Care, Brame Huie Pharmacy, Bumgarner Services, Joe Campbell Roofing, Carolina West Wireless, Neil and Marcie Cobelli, Duane and Lee K Cornett, John and Donna Dyer, Faw Insurance, Fleet Master, Foothills Auto Spa, Donald and Deborah Heard, InfusionPoints, LLC, Kemp Salon, David and Tracy McClure, McNeill Nissan, Michael’s Jewelry, Mike’s Body Shop, Phillips Cleaning Service, Specialty Car Company, The Sterling Group, Taupe Gallery, “B” and Martha Townes; and Worldwide Protective Products. A special thanks to R.H. Barringer for providing beverages for the evening.
For more information on making a donation to the WCC Foundation, contact the Wilkes Community College Development Office at 336-838-6491. Contributions may be sent to WCC Foundation, P.O. Box 120, Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697.