On behalf of the Oconee Valley Service Center of the Central Georgia Chapter, American Red Cross, I would like to thank and publicly honor all who supported the First Annual Red Cross Auction-Dinner-Dance at Capital City last Monday.

The event netted approximately $3,000 for the Red Cross local disaster services fund, which provides temporary shelter, food and clothing to victims of fires and other natural disasters.

While the supporters are too numerous to name individually, we would like to express special gratitude to the Will Jarriel and the staff of 119 Chops; the fabulous rock band RX; our auctioneer, Keith Drinkwater; our silent auction manager, Nancy Sellstrom, and the many merchants who donated auction items and/or in-kind goods and discounted services.

These include: A-1 U Rent, Amici Café, Amy Mimes-Avon, AnBurgs, Antebellum Inn, Applebee’s, Belk’s, Bergen Galleries, Bob’s Vacuum Cleaner Center, Capital City, Chambers Cleaners, Chick-fil-A, Childre Nissan, Choo Choo Build-it Mart, 119 Chops, Crazy Creations, Fitness Plus, G&S Gas, William Jarriel Sr., Kroger, Lawrence Flower Shop, Lowe’s, Lube Express, Oasis Hair & Body Co., Pig in a Pit, Quizno’s, Red Door Antiques, Serenity Wellness Spa, Starbucks, The Right Stuff and Windstream.

Those who worked tirelessly to make the event a success include our Advisory Board members: David Grant, president; Denice Allen; Pat Beer; Carl Gooch; Marlene Peavy; Laura Thompson, and the amazing Charlette Weaver (aka Wonder Woman), who held the whole thing together like an angel!

Special thanks to all who bought tickets and came out for a great evening of food and entertainment, as well as those who wrote checks even though they were not able to attend.

And, finally, we would like to recognize the critical services of our dedicated Disaster Action Team members who go forth in the middle of the night to offer shelter, food and clothing to victims of fires and other natural disasters, day in and day out.

Billie Brown

Manager, Oconee Valley Service Center

Writer supports Obama