Gala Raises over $100k for Scholarships

Southwestern Adventist University hosted its Annual Scholarship Gala on September 27, 2021. Proceeds from this fundraiser exceeded $100,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales and donations. Held at The Ashton Depot in Fort Worth, the event was attended by nearly 200 guests who enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by a creative and talented culinary and service team led by Executive Chef, Cesar Gallegos.
 
The evening's entertainment featured talented students from the university's Department of Music. The Southwestern Jazz ensemble performed hits from the 1920s and the University Singers, Southwestern Adventist University's elite traveling choral group, delighted guests with their melodic sounds of music throughout the evening. Additionally, the Plaza Theatre Company from Cleburne, Texas brought laughter to the room as they presented highlights from their upcoming show “Smoke on the Mountain.” 

University president Ana Patterson shared the importance of a university experience that is relational. She recognized the educators in attendance and how scholarship giving helps to support the students they serve. Throughout the evening scholarship recipients expressed their appreciation, thanking donors for providing the means for them to obtain a Christian education and to help them achieve their goals and reach their dreams.

”Scholarships are a lifeline for many students who are seeking to improve their lives through higher education. At Southwestern Adventist University, our students learn in a Christian environment and prepare for a future of leadership and service. We want this opportunity to be available for every student that has a desire to be here. We are so thankful to recognize our donors at this year’s event. Their generous gifts help students achieve their goals.”  

To close the evening, the university's VP for Advancement, Tony Reyes, joined President Patterson in expressing his gratitude to the generous donors and supporters in attendance. Reyes challenged guests to continue the spirit of giving and bring the total donations for the event to $100,000 - a goal which was met with enthusiasm.
 
The generosity of sponsors and donors will enable students to pursue high quality Christian education in the coming year and beyond. Individuals interested in supporting the university can learn more at www.SWAU.edu/give. A gallery of images from the event can be found here at swau.edu/gala The 2022 Annual Scholarship Gala will be held on September 26, 2022.
 

Thank you to our event sponsors.

Platinum Sponsors
Texas Health Huguley Hospital - Fort Worth South
Juanita A. Thompson & the Sensabaugh Family
Southwestern Union Conference of SDA
Southwestern Adventist University Board of Trustees

Gold Sponsors
CIVITAS Senior Living
Pinnacle Bank
Texas Conference of SDA

Silver Sponsors
Gil Valletta Family
Douglas & Sherry Bowyer
Todd & Melinda Goodman
Arkansas-Louisiana Conference of SDA
Southwest Region Conference of SDA
Texico Conference of SDA

Bronze Sponsors
Cleburne Ford
Sue Hayes & Ben Chambers
Irvin C. and Evea J. Bainum Foundation
Donna & Charlie Wilson
Town Hall Estates
Callaghan & Freeman Architects
Oklahoma Conference of SDA

Special thanks to
Breck & Co. Floral for the beautiful table centerpieces
Cleburne Railroad Museum for their participation