Sold-out Charity Gala Bridges Gap from Grant Cuts

After a simulated elevator ride in Ring Companies' warehouse, which was spectacularly transformed into an elegant rooftop themed party, 400 excited guests arrived at A Night of Southern Elegance and gave generously to support the works of Fayette Cares.

“Having sold out nearly three weeks before the event, our volunteer team worked tirelessly to ensure guests would be dazzled by a beautiful venue, delicious food and drink, a lively auction, impressive emcees, passionate honorary co-chairs, and a rockin' band” said Event Chairperson Marilyn Kain. The evening was filled with beauty and brilliance with the creative contributions of Mahaffey Tent & Party Rentals, and Defining Touch, LLC. Breathtaking floral centerpieces from Twigs-n-Things added flair to the festivities. “The only thing that made the event even better was the tremendous generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests!” says Kain.

A thrilling bidding war erupted for a gourmet dinner party donated by St. Philip the Apostles Catholic Church's Rev. Stephen Kenny, with guests giving a rousing round of applause when the auctioneer announced the winning bid of $3,000. Among the impressive auction items were a Rocky Mountain family vacation, professionally guided elk hunt, Bristol Motor Speedway NASCAR tickets, John Deer Gator from Dandridge Equipment, and NCAA Final Four tickets.

A Night of Southern Elegance pampered guests treating them to valet parking from Southern Valet, hors d'oeuvres compliments of Eat Well Sushi & Grill, Me and My Tea Room Catering, Chili's, and a seated dinner prepared and donated by Me and My Tea Room Catering. The meal was presented by a team of hospitality students lead by Dr. and Chef Carol Silkes of Kemmons Wilson School, with wait service by the Knights of Columbus from St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. Complimented with premium wines from The Stellar Cellar Wine & Spirits and assorted beer from Central Distributors, Inc., the meal was second to none.

Supporting the works of Fayette Cares were Diamond Sponsor Ring Companies, Platinum Sponsor The Bank of Fayette County, Gold Sponsor, Memphis Contract Packaging/Softee, and Silver Sponsors Ace Hardware, Bank of America, Coilmaster, Edward Jones, Fayette Academy, Renaissance, Somerville Bank & Trust, and SomerOak Senior Living Community.

This party with a purpose was supported by scores of volunteers who contributed tremendous creativity, energy, and passion to ensure costs were extremely low, thereby maximizing the funds that would go directly to help Fayette Cares.

The nearly $100,000 raised from A Night of Southern Elegance will help replace an equal amount lost in recent grant budget cuts. The generous contributions made will assure that Fayette Cares can continue to provide shelter and safety for homeless families and victims of abuse, and offer services to stabilize and empower families in economic crisis during their time of need.

To view event photos, get involved with future events, and learn more about Fayette Cares visit www.fayettecares.org or go to www.anightofsouthernelegance.com.

With a sold-out crowd of nearly 350 guests, a visually stunning venue, heartwarming speeches by Honorary Co-Chairs, a high-energy live auction, and guests dancing the night away, it is safe to say that A Night of Southern Elegance was a great success. The most important mark of success, however, is the more than $55,000 in net proceeds which will help Fayette Cares support thousands of people in need throughout Fayette County.

The evening was filled with surprises, one of which was the transformation of event host Ring Companies' manufacturing warehouse, into a luxurious and inviting venue. With the creative contributions of Mahaffey Tent & Party Rentals, and Defining Touch Staging & Design, LLC, guests enjoyed the elegant yet relaxed affair, filled with the Southern warmth typical of Fayette County. Breathtaking floral centerpieces from Twigs-n-Things also added flair to the festivities. Comments ranged from "the best party EVER!" to "the event of the year".

A Night of Southern Elegance pampered guests beyond their expectations. Folks were treated to valet parking from Southern Valet, hors d'oeuvres compliments of Eat Well Sushi & Grill, and a seated dinner prepared and donated by Me and My Tearoom Catering. The meal was presented by Dr. and Chef Carol Silkes of Kemmons Wilson School, with wait service by the Knights of Columbus from St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. Complimented with premium wines from The Stellar Cellar Wine & Spirits, the meal was second to none.

Dinner was followed by a dynamic live auction with Terri Walker of Walker Auctions. Terri, the National Auctioneers Association's 2009-10 International Women's Champion Auctioneer, facilitated exhilarating bidding wars for impressive auction items including a French chalet, and Colorado outdoor adventures.

Surprise celebrity emcee Leon Griffin of FOX 13 further affirmed his support for Fayette Cares by announcing an unplanned addition to the live auction. A Day with Leon Griffin was sold to one lucky bidder, who will soon have the experience of a lifetime.

There was certainly no parking on the dance floor as guests danced to the beat of The Bouffants �. The band had people on their feet from the first song until they stopped playing at nearly 1 a.m.

Supporting the works of Fayette Cares were caring event sponsors including AT&T, Memphis Contract Packaging, Oakland Deposit Bank, Ring Companies, Somerville Bank & Trust, and Brent Stone, Edward Jones.

Tables were also sponsored by corporate partners including Advanced Aesthetics of Oakland, AT&T, BancorpSouth, The Bank of Fayette County, Fayette Academy, Fayette Janitorial, Independent Bank, Memphis Contract Packaging, Inc., Oakland Deposit Bank, Ring Companies, SDI, Inc., Brent Stone, Edward Jones, Superlo Foods, The Thrasher Clinic, and Watkins Uiberall, PLLC.

Click to view event photos and contact us to get involved with future events.

The 2009 Night of Southern Elegance raised over $30,000 from generous donations of local and national businesses, and individuals. The event was attended by over 220 guests from Fayette and Shelby County, TN.