David Yon
Bonnie Wright knew she had some big shoes to fill when she agreed to take over the very successful GWTC social activities program from Sarah Docter-Williams. However instead of shrinking from the challenge, she put together an outstanding run of events that have raised the bar. Saturday night’s Celebrity Dinner was the best yet. The sold out event was a delightful success raising almost $900 for the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. Kevin and Lisa Torrey opened their restaurant on Timberlane Road and provided food at cost and service for free to help make the event a success.
GWTC “celebrities” showed up in full tuxedo’s, half tuxedo’s, Hawaiian attire, three stooges ties, aprons (nope we are not telling what was under the apron) and many other creative attires. Jim Phillips provided dinner music, while Charlie Yates was lead maestro and maitre’d, Jane Johnson and David Yon poured wine and beer as sommeliers (sometimes missing the guests and getting the spirits in the glass) and Judy Alexander, Gary Droze, Jennifer Emo, Hobson Fulmer, Bill Hollimon, Bill Law, Bill Lott, Kathy McDaris, Scott Mitchell, Tom Perkins, Bill Perry and Sarah Williams entertained and served the guests in hopes of earning big tips for the Relay for Life. The crew wound up with dollars stuffed in all kind of places, with Hobson Fulmer dancing on top of a table a few times and Tom Perkins showing off his new prosthesis to anyone who would chip in a few dollars. GWTC member Gary Griffin who (along with Peg) will serve as the Chair of the Relay for Life this year hopes to raise $500,000 to fight the disease of cancer and commented that the Celebrity Dinner would serve to challenge all of the groups this year to do more than they have ever done.
The event was a marvelous way to remember those members that GWTC has lost to this still very deadly disease. It reminded us all again what a great group of people make up GWTC and provided a wonderful respite from the hideous headlines that scream about so much cruelty in the world these days. Thanks, Bonnie for a wonderful evening.