The Wharton County Junior College Foundation held its annual "Blackjack, Glitz & Glamor" event recently in Sugar Land. Pictured is Michelle Bohreer of Bohreer Law Firm enjoying the festivities.
SUGAR LAND, TEXAS — The Wharton County Junior College Foundation hosted its second annual “Blackjack, Glitz & Glamor” fundraising event on Saturday, May 31, at the Houston Marriott Sugar Land, raising more than $100,000 in support of WCJC students and programs. Attendees were treated to an exciting evening of casino games, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and fellowship, all capped by a lively raffle and live auction. The elegant setting in the heart of Sugar Land’s Town Square provided the perfect backdrop for the evening’s festivities.
Russell Hill of KULP Radio returned as emcee, guiding guests through an evening filled with energy and purpose, while WCJC Foundation President Gary Gillen encouraged guests to celebrate the past, present, and future of Wharton County Junior College.
Kym Harshaw, Chief Nuclear Officer and Interim President & CEO of the STP Nuclear Operating Company, shared her personal journey through community college and highlighted STP’s commitment to student success through the creation of the “STP Energizing the Future Endowed Scholarship.”
This year’s theme, “A Night of Luck and Legacy,” captured the Foundation’s continued commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders, professionals, and change-makers across Southeast Texas. Jonathan Jeter, the WCJC Foundation Director, praised the success of the event. “We are pleased with the support of so many individuals and businesses in all of the communities we serve.” Jeter said. “We are privileged to partner with so many wonderful organizations to fulfill our mission to change the lives of students.”
The evening also recognized STP Nuclear Operating Company as the Captain’s Club Event Honoree for their leadership and generous support of WCJC students. River Royalty sponsors included Wharton County Junior College and Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. High Roller sponsors included Laurance and Suzanne Armour, and Matagorda Concrete, LLC. Steamboat Stars sponsors included Maxim Production Co., Constellation, Gillen Pest Control, Inc., Garland Co., Paul and Pam Pope, Wadler Perches Kerlick, Attorneys at Law, Land Rights Law, LLC, and Dale and Betty McCrohan. River Navigator sponsors included Dr. Priscilla Metcalf, Ambassador Services LLC, Tenaris BayCity, Abel Design Group, OakBend Medical Center, the Bohreer Law Firm, PLLC, Gus and Irene Mullins, Prosperity Bank, Kainos Academy, Johnny Veselka, Gordon and Linda Franklin, Larry and Karen McDougal, Gordon and Marilynn Sorrel, Abby King and Dr. Dwight King, and Senator Lois W. Kolkorst (District 18).
The WCJC Foundation President Gary Gillen was pleased with the success of the event. “Every chip played at our event brings opportunity to a student tomorrow,” said Gillen. “It’s about more than one evening — it’s about building a future.”
The Wharton County Junior College Foundation, a 501(C)(3) non-profit whose mission is to provide educational awareness and financial support to Wharton County Junior College, has continued to expand their outreach and impact. In addition to Blackjack, Glitz & Glamor, the Foundation holds the Super Science Alliance annually in Bay City, and continues to expand its outreach through its social media presence and increasing student scholarships.
The WCJC Foundation Office is located on the Wharton campus inside the J. M. Hodges Library. For additional information on the Foundation or to learn how to support their mission visit wcjcfoundation.org or contact Jonathan Jeter at jeterj@wcjc.edu or 979-532-6981.
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