The glitz and glamour of the 1920s came roaring back at Starlight Gala: A Gatsby Affair on Dec. 31 at the Benton Event Center. The fourth annual event was a fundraiser for the Bryant Boys and Girls Club.
The center was transformed into a jazzy Gatsby-theme ballroom with art deco-patterned lighting on the walls, and guest tables centered with opulent arrangements of ostrich feathers and flowers in glittering gold and silver containers. Many of the female guests wore furs, pearls, jewels and feathers.
It was easier for the men -- black tie. Some went all out with top hats, tails and spats.
Recollecting Prohibition and the surge of vice, there were craps and blackjack tables. The evening also included a photo booth, a cigar bar and music by Sister Sister. During the cocktail hour, guests also enjoyed a buffet of cheese, crackers and fruit. A cold seafood bar filled with shrimp and oysters was centered with an ice sculpture featuring the Boys and Girls Club logo.
A buffet dinner by Bistro Catering was followed by a program. Debbie and Shane Broadway were honored for their service to the community and to the Bryant Boys and Girls Club. Several other Saline County residents and businesses were honored with Hometown Hero Awards, including David Passmore, Mark Middleton and family, Brenda Miller, the Bryant Parks Department, Baxley-Penfield-Moudy Realtors and Scott Dews, who is the outgoing president of the club's board of directors.
DJ Jellybean kept the music going until the countdown to midnight and a toast to great futures.
The evening, with more than 460 guests, brought in roughly $53,000 before expenses, said executive director Suzanne Passmore. Brooke Andrews served as event chairman. The gala was presented by Landers of Saline County.
High Profile on 01/11/2015