Due to rising COVID-19 cases in Western North Carolina, Southwestern Community College officials have decided to cancel this year’s “Boots, Blue Jeans & Bling” gala that had been scheduled for the second Saturday in September at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.“This was an extremely difficult decision,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC’s President. “We remain hopeful that this pandemic will end soon so that we can get back together,” Dr. Tomas added. “We look forward to celebrating our commitment to giving students a hand-up so that they can change their lives at SCC.”In place of the in-person gala, Southwestern will share a short video with those who made plans to attend the gala. The event’s silent auction will be held virtually starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7, and concluding at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14. To register for the silent auction, visit: www.southwesterncc.edu/gala.