CMYK Local
The Paper | Thursday, November 22, 2012
Katie Justice The Paper
Clockwise, from above, Mike and Mace Strickland, Lem and Cheryl Hayes and Terri Johnson at their table; Braselton Town Manager Jennifer Dees was selling raffle tickets; the winetasting experience was handled by Chateau Elan; auction items attracted attention from bidders; Pat Graham raised a glass.
Toast to Braselton raises funds for Downtown Development Authority By KATIE JUSTICE
kjustice@clickthepaper.com
From Drew Brees and Derek Jeter to Hines Ward and Herschel Walker, the autographed items were in abundance at the “A Toast to Braselton” wine tasting, dinner and auction. However, auction items weren’t limited to sports memorabilia. Guests could bid on everything from furniture to jewelry with some art in between. Over a hundred people turned out to the A Toast to Braselton held Nov. 13 at the Braselton-Stover House. “We actually try to limit the event to 100 people but we’ve sold out and added tables the last two years,” said Braselton Town Manager Jennifer Dees. Tickets cost $25 with proceeds from the event benefitting the Downtown Development Authority. “We’re working on the green space project,” said DDA member Cindy Green, who says the green space will “give citizens a place to walk, to sit, to meet each other, to bring their children to play.” The exactly amount of money raised isn’t final, but
Katie Justice The Paper
DDA member Cindy Green holds up a Herschel Walker autographed helmet. Dees estimates it to be “in the $5,000 range,” which she says is consistent with the past two years. According to Dees, in 2010 about $5,300 raised, and in 2011, about $4,800 was made. The evening began with wine provided by Chateau Élan. Guests had the opportunity to sample an assortment of wines including chardonnay, merlot and a variety of muscadine-based flavors.
Katie Justice The Paper
Shane Short returned as master of ceremonies and Robbie Bettis portrarying Hattie, served as auctioneer for the event which drew 100 guests to the fundraiser.
The silent auction allowed guests to wander through the selection of items and bid at ease. “We had items that ranged from home goods to sporting goods to jewelry and experiences like golf lessons from a former Masters champion,” said Green. Dinner was provided by Cornbread and Caviar catering, and was followed by the announcement of door prize and silent auction winners. The event culminated with the live auction hosted by Robbie Bettis, who assumed the persona of Hattie, a delightfully witty and notso-sweet southern lady. “We older ladies can wear bright red lipstick and not look like we had an adventure with a jam jar,” she said, of the perks of being an older lady. Assisting Bettis, Kathy Cooper Robinson and Cindy Green walked the items up for auction around the room, so guests could get a better look. “I think this was the kind of auction where there was something for everybody,” said Green. The event also included a raffle of a three or four night cruise to the Bahamas. Tickets were $5 each or $6 for 25, with Gordon Telford winning the cruise. “People seemed to have a really good time and enjoyed themselves,” said Green.
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