Auctioneer William Adcock works for every dollar to benefit the Maria Parham Healthcare Foundation on Friday night.
Friday the 13th was a lucky night if you happened to have tickets for the Maria Parham Healthcare Foundation’s gala celebration of the medical center’s 80th anniversary.
“This evening’s gala is one way that the Maria Parham Healthcare Foundation attempts to express its gratitude for the support and commitment that so many people in our community offer in support of Maria Parham Medical Center,” Bob Richardson, the foundation’s executive director, wrote in the program for the night of dinner, dancing and auctions at Henderson Country Club.
The fundraising activities included a silent auction of 51 items contributed by businesses and individuals, from artwork to a vacuum cleaner to auto care; the raffle of a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, donated by Charles Boyd; and a highly competitive live auction of 13 items, mostly dream getaways contributed by hospital benefactors.
It was a fun night — a little disappointing in terms of the lack of diversity in the crowd (although not surprising, considering that wealth is more concentrated in the hands of a white elite in Henderson than anywhere else in North Carolina), a lot revealing about the divisions between Henderson’s old-line wealth and new up-and-comers. But that’s all too gossipy, so we’ll end the social analysis and give you photos instead.
Phil Finch, right, works the crowd for bigger bids.
A custom-made walking stick from Larry Trull raised far more than the estimated value of $100 in the silent auction.
Debbie Ruggles and John Parrish help get the party started at the table sponsored by ACS State Healthcare.
The Bill Bolen Band was good enough (at
least when combined with the two
open bars) to keep the crowd
on the dance floor.
Dr. Rodwell Drake, the director of
the Granville-Vance Health
Department, joins in the fun.
More dancing photos are below.
