West Georgia Technical College students have something to celebrate after this year’s Black Tie & Boots event. The WGTC Foundation raised a record $60,000 for scholarships and general student support at the 17th annual event this fall.

“We are so grateful to have celebrated another successful year of Black Tie and Boots. The West Georgia Technical College Foundation continues to be humbled by the outpouring of community support for this signature event,” Foundation President Bryant Hightower said. “We are thrilled at this year’s success, and we look forward to reporting back to the community and partners on the lives changed as a result of their generosity.”

Country band Lonestar performed in front of a sold-out crowd at the West Georgia Tech Murphy Campus Conference Center in Waco.

The Foundation also used the event to present its annual Spirit of Giving award to the J. Randy Jackson Family, who created an endowed scholarship in memory of the longtime leader of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in West Point.

“During his life, Randy Jackson was a great supporter of technical education and West Georgia Tech,” WGTC President Dr. Scott Rule said. “He had a vision for investing in the workforce of Troup County. The scholarship provides for future generations of West Georgia Tech students who will be the workforce of tomorrow. We thank Randy’s family for continuing his passion for workforce development with this endowment.”

The award has been given annually since 2008.

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank the West Georgia Technical College Foundation for the Spirit of Giving Award and for the opportunity to honor my father this evening,” Randy Jackson’s son Jamey said as he accepted the award. “It’s your connection to my father and support of his legacy that brought us all together here. We’re proud that his name, contributions and legacy lives on throughout our community and state.”

The WGTC Foundation raised more than $60,000 at this year’s fundraiser. Proceeds from Black Tie & Boots allow the Foundation to provide student scholarships, purchase equipment, support advanced labs and classrooms and provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.

“The Foundation has awarded over 120 student scholarships in the past year totaling almost $57,000, so you can see what a huge impact Black Tie & Boots has on what we are able to do to support students,” WGTC Foundation executive director Kelsey Jones said. “There is no way we could do what we do without the terrific support of our community partners.”