Kilgore College hosted its first-ever Blue Star Gala on March 22 at Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview. The event raised $177,563 to support the KC Foundation’s campaign for the construction of the Ranger Achievement Center.
The gala drew more than 600 attendees, featured 71 tables and was supported by 24 title sponsors. Guests participated in live and silent auctions featuring 109 items, and a brand-new Chevy Silverado was raffled off courtesy of Patterson Chevrolet Kilgore. A pair of sapphire and diamond earrings were also given away to one lucky guest.
Entertainment was provided by the High Definition Band from Dallas, the Kilgore College Rangerettes, KC Connection and KC student Faith Copeland.
KC faculty, staff and students – along with community volunteers – contributed to the event by serving as hosts and support personnel.
“We were absolutely thrilled with the success of the event and the outpouring of support from the entire KC community,” said Merlyn Holmes, Executive Director of the KC Foundation. “The teamwork and commitment of our faculty, staff, board members and volunteers made this event not only possible, but truly memorable. I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.”
The Ranger Achievement Center (RAC), located in the Devall Student Center, will serve as a centralized hub for student support services. The RAC will provide academic advising, career counseling, accessibility services, tutoring, personal development resources, mental health support and opportunities for social connection—all in one convenient location.
To view photos from the Blue Star Gala, visit: https://giving.kilgore.edu/blue-star-gala/
About the KC Foundation:
The Kilgore College Foundation is a 501(C)(3) support organization dedicated to providing financial support for the programs, activities, services, scholarships and capital improvement initiatives of KC. Throughout the years, the foundation has continued to expand its donor base, philanthropic activity and assets to grow the scholarship endowments designated for the success of KC’s students and programs. It is governed by an independent volunteer board of directors.