Published: December 13, 2007 06:11 am      

Hospice Ball glitters with success

The 2007 annual Hospice Auxiliary Ball marked the beginning of the holiday season in Fairfield Glade. A sold-out crowd of more than 200 people dined, danced and enjoyed the lively auction, all to benefit Hospice of Cumberland County.

Druid Hills Country Club was aglow with the spirit of the holidays, while the Bill Sleeter Trio entertained the partygoers and delicious gourmet meal was served by chef Joel and his staff.

Carolyn Spencer and Kate Curran, co-chairs of the event, were thrilled with its success and the participation of the community. Tina Geisler, decoration chairperson, chose a theme of silver and gold, bringing a Winter Wonderland to the Legends.

Silent auction items were displayed in the Fireside Room. It was a very attractive setting and everyone was encouraged to bid before the clock struck at 6:30 p.m. The generosity of the local artists, artisans and many businesses was evident, said Sherry Koch, auction chairperson. She was able to secure more than 100 items for the auctions. Auctioneer Steve Robinson dropped his gavel and the bidding began for the live auction, with more than 24 items available. A flurry of paddles followed to see who would be the lucky ones.

The Fairfield Glade Hospice Auxiliary would like to extend their thanks to all in the community who so generously donated monies, gifts, artwork, services or certificates to make the Holiday Ball a great success. Local donors include Steve Robinson of Pioneer Reality, Jim Bentley, Debbie Kleintop, John Fountain of Century 21 Reality, Norm and Sue Torrey, Cumberland County Playhouse, Anderson Shuttle Service, Cumberland Medical Center, Rustic Landscaping,

Phil and Deanna Magdich/Hillard Lyons, Joan Reiver, David and Ann

St. Abin, Werner Fester, Katie Smith, Art & Frame Shop, Everett Elkins, Jean Liberty, Cindy and Jim Marentette, Ray Butkus, Steve White, Fairfield Glade Community Club, Hot Springs Spas of the Upper Cumberland's, Payne Nursery, Fairfield Glade Beauty Shop, Design Team, Gardens to Go, Chris Larsen/ Wildlands Concepts, Pam McClain/Mary Kay, Laughing Bodies/Rebecca Denis and Sue Butkus, Natures Way Center for Massage Therapy/Terry Owens, Air Evac Life team, Massage Works, Janet Jermann and Marie Draudt, Chestnut Hill Winery, Forte's Restaurant and Lounge, La Costa restaurant, Genesis Italian Grille, Tina Geisler, Becky Cain and Lefty's BBQ.

There were many businesses outside of Cumberland County who enthuasticly donated, including Stella Luna Art Gallery, Smithville; Perfect Lighting Gallery, Pikeville; Bob's Package Store, Knoxville; John Lucas, Baxter; Goldson's Package Store, Harriman; Mike Elder, Dunlap; Earth Fare Natural Foods, Knoxville; The Market Place, Cookeville; Gray Gables Bed and Breakfast, Rugby; Whitestone Country Inn, Kingston; Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, Nashville; Mauricio's, Cookeville; River Terrace Resort, Gatlinburg; Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies; Gatlinburg Sky Lift; Dancing Bear Lodge, Townsend; Barnsley Gardens Resort, Adairsville, GA; Inn on the Alameda, Santa Fe, NM; Dale Hollow Lodge State Park Resort, Burkesville, KY; Clarion Inn & Suites Hotel, Gatlinburg; Appleview River Resort, Pigeon Forge; Knoxville Symphony Orchestra; Bryan Symphony Orchestra, Cookeville; Nashville Chamber Orchestra; Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra; Maple Hurst Inn Bed and Breakfast, Knoxville; Jack Daniels Gifts and Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House, Lynchburg; Tennessee Reparatory Theater, Nashville; Barter Theater, Abington, VA; Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, TN; Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga; County Music Hall of Fame, Nashville; Ober Gatlinburg; First Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville; Chili's restaurant; Carrabba's; Puleo's Grille; Red Lobster; and Imagine IT! The Children's Museum of Atlanta.

With the wide array of donations, the leadership of Kate Curran and Carolyn Spencer, all the committees, the guests, the Legends and the music of the Bill Sleeter Trio, this year's Hospice Ball has been called a huge and rewarding success.

Thanks to all for their unending support and generosity to Hospice of Cumberland County, the only nonprofit hospice organization serving the local area.