CCT! Dinner & Auction Breaks Fundraising Record

February 16, 2006

Chatham County Together’s fourth annual “A Night in Italy” dinner and silent auction February 12 was its most successful one yet. The non-profit organization that provides mentors, tutors, educational and cultural activities, and support services for youth and their families raised more than $11,000 in contributions from the community during a relaxing evening of food and entertainment at the Chatham County Council on Aging Senior Center in Pittsboro.

More than 100 people attended the Italian dinner, provided by David Batsche of the General Store Café and a crew of volunteer cooks, wait staff and kitchen helpers. Diners enjoyed Chicken Florentine or Pasta Primavera and a selection of delectable desserts while listening to music performed by pianist Liz Tedesco and violinists Miriam Bryant and Stephanie Griffin.

A silent auction coordinated by Gail Crider and other volunteers drew more than 100 contributions of arts, crafts, jewelry, garden plantings, home furnishings, gift certificates for restaurant dinners, yoga lessons, trips to the spa and more. The auction alone raised nearly $3,000.

About 14 businesses contributed food, beverages, flowers and other special touches, and 17 businesses and individuals contributed at least $100 each as sponsors of the event. The dinner and auction involved all of the Chatham County Together staff and more than 50 volunteers.

“We are overwhelmed by the extraordinary outpouring of community support for Chatham County Together,” said director Kim Caraganis. “We are grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered and contributed to make this special event a huge success. This kind of support makes it possible for us to help more young people overcome their challenges and meet their potential.”

On the back of the dinner program Chatham County Together included a quote from an unknown source in memory of Pemberton William Hobbs, a Siler City volunteer, that sums up what many feel about the importance of helping young people in need:

“One hundred years from now, it won’t matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in my bank account, nor what my clothes looked like. But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.”

See the list of wonderful donors and helpers for Night in Italy.

© Chatham County Together! 2005-2008