WACO — The West Georgia Technical College Foundation raised more than $35,000 at this year’s Black Tie and Boots event Saturday at the WGTC Murphy campus.

This was the foundation’s 14th annual dinner and country music concert fundraiser. All funds raised support student scholarships.

According to Kim Learnard, executive director of institutional advancement, the foundation has created scholarships in more programs and improved access to scholarship applications for students. She pointed out that the Foundation awarded more scholarships and scholarship dollars for the fall semester than it had in any one calendar year previously.

“We could not do it without the support of our business and community partners,” Learnard said. “This year’s Black Tie and Boots was a huge success and I want to thank everyone who came out and supported the event.”

The West Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded its annual Spirit of Giving Award to Carroll EMC at the event. The Spirit of Giving Award recognizes outstanding commitment and generosity to the West Georgia Technical College Foundation and to technical education throughout the West Georgia region.

“Carroll EMC is a steadfast partner and long-time friend of West Georgia Tech,” West Georgia Technical College President Steve G. Daniel said. “They serve as a true example of a community member that supports students who want to make a better life for themselves and their families.”

Carroll EMC has made significant financial and community investments over a period of many years, WGTC officials said, which have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in direct support of student scholarships. Carroll EMC is also a perennial sponsor of WGTC Foundation events, providing additional support, which has a direct impact on current and future students.

A past recipient of a West Georgia Technical College Foundation scholarship, student Deanna Webb gave remarks to the crowd of 350 guests prior to the concert.

“I’m so thankful for West Georgia Technical College and the West Georgia Technical College Foundation for giving me the opportunity to go back to school and further my education,” Webb said. “Without the support of the Foundation and its partners, this would not be possible. To everyone that has contributed their time and made financial contributions to the WGTC Foundation, I want to sincerely thank you. Your support does make a difference.”