An evening with three Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees brought music and storytelling to the Grand Hall while investing in students pursuing higher education close to home.
ABINGDON, Va. An evening of acclaimed songwriting and community generosity raised $58,000 for memorial scholarships at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.
The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation presented the Richard Leigh & Friends Memorial Scholarship Concert on October 10 in the Grand Hall. Guests experienced an intimate evening of songs and stories with Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Richard Leigh, Tony Arata and Roger Cook. Local singer-songwriter Adam Bolt opened the concert.
Leigh is best known for writing “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” recorded by Crystal Gayle, which earned him a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Song. Arata wrote the Garth Brooks hit “The Dance,” while Cook’s acclaimed catalog includes “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” and “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.”
Together, the songwriters gave the audience a rare opportunity to hear familiar music from the people who created it and learn the stories behind the songs.
The concert’s impact will extend far beyond the stage. Proceeds will support memorial scholarships for students enrolled in programs at the Higher Ed Center. By reducing financial barriers, these scholarships can help students remain on track toward their goals while pursuing higher education close to home.
The scholarships honor the legacies of Rachel Fowlkes, Joe Johnson, Bob Jones, Bob Keene, Sam Neese, Pat Callebs, and David and Roberta Looney. Through the opportunities created for today’s students, the influence of those being remembered will continue for years to come.
The Higher Ed Center Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the artists, attendees, donors, volunteers and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the concert possible.
Special recognition goes to Hall of Fame Sponsors First Bank & Trust Company and the Skewes Family Foundation. Their generous support helped transform a special evening of music into a $58,000 investment in students and the future workforce of Southwest Virginia.
To support students pursuing education at the Higher Ed Center, visit www.swcenter.edu/foundation.