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Monday, 29 September 2008 |
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Saturday night was a great night for the Boys & Girls Club of Saline County.  Roy Hogan, from left, Ruth Kruge, and Rebecca and Don Austin visit during the silent auction portion of the dinner gala on Saturday night. The gala closed out a week of celebratory events that raised money for the Boys & Girls Club of Saline County. (Courier photos by Jillian Duke)
This year’s dinner gala was the most successful since 1998, Executive Director Jasen Kelly said Saturday, as he stood back while members of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and Benton High School Pep Steppers served Dinner’s Ready meals to guests.
 Benton Fire Chief Ben Blankenship is ready for dinner with his wife, Sheila, center, and Laurie Shepard, who works for the county’s 911 system.
“The whole week leading up to tonight was a reflection of the economy, but tonight is a different story,” he said. “This is the biggest gala since I’ve been here. The table sales are better than ever.”
He said 26 tables for $500 apiece sold to various businesses, individuals and groups.
By day the Boys & Girls Club gym, with fluorescent lighting, is filled with children playing basketball or other games. The setting Saturday was a different story. White holiday lights were strung from wall to wall creating a romantic canopy over white-clothed tables.
The gym was energized when the GroanUps took the stage and played hits from various musicians and decades. The beats of the nine-piece band enticed couples to hit the dance floor.
Although the club was free of youth members, there were many reminders of them. Decorating the cubbyholes usually meant for backpacks were framed photos of members. Some of the silent auction tables, which were filled with items for just about every sort of taste, were decorated with similar photos. On a shelf sat some of the students’ artwork.
Board member Tonya Morgan commended the club’s employees and more than 120 adult volunteers for their hard work. Receiving special recognition were Heath Massey, Jill Johnson and Deena Johnson.
She thanked the guests for their generosity, noting every dollar they spend “goes directly to the kids.”
The week of celebration and fundraising was kicked off Sept. 19 with the 30th annual golf tournament at Longhills Golf Club. Throughout the week, people were encouraged to dine at various local restaurants so that a portion of the proceeds could benefit the Boys and Girls Club.
Another celebratory event is scheduled for Saturday. The “You Can Make a Difference 5K” for adults and children is set to start at 8 a.m. outside the club on Cox Street in Benton. Children younger than 12 may participate in the 1-mile Fun Run.
Cost for the 5K is $15 for those who pre-register and $20 for people who register the day of the event. Overall male and female winners will start the legacy of a wall of fame to be posted in the club. Cost for the 1-mile run is $5 for pre-registered children and $8 for the day of the event. Awards will be given to the top 20.
Package pickup and pre-registration can be done at the club, 105 Cox St. For more information, call 315-8100.
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