Top-flight music and entertainment, top-shelf bourbon, high-demand auction packages, delicious food and a capacity crowd combined to make the St. Claire Foundation’s 2017 Signature Event one to remember.
“Tastes, Tunes & Tales” netted more than $17,000 to help enhance the environment and experience for patients and visitors in the new Medical Services Pavilion Oncology Department. Nearly 200 people attended the event on Friday, June 16, at the Morehead Conference Center.
“What a great evening of ‘fun-raising’,” said Susette Redwine, Chairwoman of the Foundation Signature Event Planning Committee.
“I’ve been around a lot of very enjoyable fundraising events, and this one was very near the top of the list,” said St. Claire Foundation Executive Director Tom Lewis. “Our planning committee did a phenomenal job!”
The evening began with appetizers and cocktails, highlighted by the Southern Wine & Spirits bourbon tasting bar, followed by a delicious dinner – including steak and a flaming cherry and nut bread pudding – prepared by Chef Mike Montes and the Aramark catering team.
The Morehead Jazz Collective set the musical mood. Acclaimed raconteur and storyteller Laura Lee Duncan and her son and budding actor Jon Dooley mingled with attendees during the reception with their stories and jugs of “moonshine.”
Local historian and thespian J. D. Reeder received a standing ovation for his portrayal of the “Father of Kentucky Bourbon,” the Rev. Elijah Craig.
Auctioneer James Benton Pendleton of Salt Lick entertained and fired up bidders, as the event’s live and silent auctions combined to generate more than $8,500. Some of the most popular auction items included a privately catered dinner prepared by Chef Mike Montes, a private tour and tasting for 12 people at New Riff Distilling in Newport, engraved barrel heads donated by Morehead Wood Products, a family membership at Eagle Trace Golf Course, laser hair removal and a rejuvenating hydrator from SCR Women’s Imaging and Aesthetics.
(story provided by St. Claire Regional Medical Center)
