Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
On Thursday night, I witnessed Mead’s words spring to life at Another Night at Fleet Landing, a benefit for the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center (DNLCC). The center is a phenomenal facility that seeks to reduce the incidence of child abuse in addition to providing services to children of abuse and their families. Last August, I toured the center and learned about the quality of care that children receive during a visit to DNLCC. As a staff member relayed the story of an anonymous seven-year-old boy who had been molested for several years, I fought back tears— as did Weesie Newton who was standing beside me at the time. It is no wonder that she and her husband Tradd so graciously open their hearts and restaurant to raise money for this organization.
Although in its fledgling state, Another Night a Fleet Landing has managed to raise an incredible sum without any bells or whistles. This year, 152 guests attended the casual dinner (I wore blue jeans!), and $165,825 was raised by the end of the night.
I had the distinct pleasure of chatting at length with auctioneer Doug Warner, who truly knows what it takes to get Charlestonians to open their checkbooks at charity auctions. Doug and I compared notes on the apparent rebounding of donor fatigue we both noticed a year ago. Auctions are making a resurgence in their ability to be a successful fundraising arm of an organization. While Doug tempted the crowd with items like a trip to Colorado and a John Carroll Doyle original painting, Truman Smith was busy helping himself to Doug’s slice of Key Lime Pie. (Truman: gotcha!)
Jenny Renken went home with a gift certificate that entitles her to a pair of shoes from Bob Ellis for each season during the year ahead. Caroline Johnson will be among the lucky few who have the opportunity to own one of Mary Norton’s new handbags before they are made available to the public. And Ann Bartko purchased the opportunity to host a cocktail party on the rooftop of the Peoples Building.
One incredible woman, who shall remain nameless to protect her from the hordes of auction chair people who might show up on her doorstep, bid on practically everything in the live auction. She won some, and she lost some– and it became comical after awhile, especially when she once tried to bid against herself. Earlier in the evening, when I remarked to her how pleased I was to see a lovely turn-out, she tapped her heart and gave me a broad smile. It was that sort of genuine sentiment that wove itself through the entire evening. Midway through the auction, a therapist with DNLCC shared a letter written by a teenage female victim of sexual abuse. Through the young girl’s written words, guests learned about the acute need for safe havens like the one provided by DNLCC. Inspired by the power of that girl’s recovery, 16 donors offered to sponsor 26 children to the tune of $31,800.
Dueling events took place on Saturday night, which sent me dashing across the peninsula in order to participate in both benefits. I started at the Riviera Theatre, site of the Footlight Player’s 75th Anniversary Gala. Cocktails and crab cakes set the tone for the celebration of what has become a veritable Lowcountry institution. During the dinner hour, Peggy Lewis— one of the great dames of our fair city— regaled guests with a cabaret-style medley of songs that pay homage to New York City and the Great White Way.
The pinnacle of the night came, unfortunately, as it was time for me to head across town to the next event. Apparently, a farce celebrating the theatre’s storied history was presented after dessert and all of the roles were auctioned off to the highest bidder. Costumes included! There was one catch: someone could bid to put another person in a role, but the unsuspecting actor could then bid him or herself out of the role. I imagine that hijincks ensued, and I am very sorry to have missed that portion of the evening’s festivities (especially since I heard a rumor that Dr. Sam Stafford was intent on giving me a role. Blanche DuBois, anyone?).
By the time we arrived at the Chocolate Affair, guests were cresting a sugar roller-coaster, and the buffet-o-sweets looked as though a small army of Willy Wonky acolytes had descended upon the table. Although it was only a spot after 9 p.m., Rob Fowler was winding down the live auction, and guests were beginning to make their way toward the check-out tables. I bumped into a familiar face who squealed with delight when she showed me the two chocolate dipped heart shaped cookies she was smuggling out of the party in her handbag. Other guests were not quite as complicit: I spotted several women loading their arms with gift boxes of chocolate, which most would presume were intended one per guest. The chocolate free-for-all reminded of the swag stooge who helped herself to the contents of scores of goodie bags at the Charleston HOME launch party. To be fair, my friend and I sampled our box of chocolate in the car on the way home, and I must admit I mused aloud that I wished we’d taken two!
Proceeds from the sweet soiree benefit Communities in Schools, a national initiative that helps prepare young people for the real world. Guests were predominantly young couples and women, and I have a hunch that the recent school board elections have heightened awareness for the need to become involved in the local education system. I spoke with several sets of young parents who expressed hope for improving our local public schools, and their support of such a great cause is certainly a step in that direction.
Caritas.
Ida
