A Night in the Valley Vintners Dinner and Auction
Friday marked the return to the social scene after Charleston’s charity circuit went on a quiet holiday hiatus. And what a return it was! Hundreds of guests in black-tie attire gathered for Trident Technical College’s A Night in the Valley Vintners Dinner and Auction benefitting the TTC Foundation. Golf carts ferried folks from the parking lot to the front door— a great touch since the temperature had dipped below freezing. A trio of musicians playing stringed instruments greeted guests from beneath a (heated, I hope!) tent outside the entrance door. Hundred of pre-poured flutes of champagne and a well-staffed table of greeters insured that guests wasted little time making the transition from check-in to the party itself, which began with a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres served by some of the college’s hospitality students. Artwork and jewelry seemed to receive the most silent auction buzz, although a piece of hand-painted home decor sparked a bidding war according to Charleston magazine editor who had his eye on the lot.
Just as the giant ice sculpture showed its first signs of fading, the doors of the ballroom opened and guests received first glimpse of the seated dinner set-up— an apricot and white color palette punctuated by tall centerpieces with sprays of white flowers. Votive candles dotted the tables, which were prepped for the vintner portion of the evening as each guest had five glasses arranged at his or her setting!
Several TTC students were assigned to each table, and they were diligent in their efforts to insure we all enjoyed a lovely evening. Not a moment went by when my water glass needed refilling, and my vegetarian substitutions during the three-course meal were excellent.
As the shots of liqueur accompanying the dessert were passed, the decibel level in the room exploded, which presented quite a challenge for auctioneer Doug Warner and host Tom Crawford. They managed to keep the auction moving at a rapid clip thanks to several engaging bidder battles, and by the end of the night, they successfully raised thousands of dollars with packages like an African safari, a stay in California wine country, and a trip to Costa Rica that was purchased by my friend Catherine Dority.
Catherine works with the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. When I congratulated her winning the trip, she drew a direct link between the college’s hospitality programs and the strength of our local tourism-dependent economy, which she summarized when we swapped emails after the event (and no I wasn’t angling for an invitation to tag along on her Costa Rica adventure!).
“The hospitality and tourism industry is one of the most vital industries in South Carolina, and it is imperative that we have well-trained graduates to take the reins. Trident Technical College is shaping and molding the future workforce of the hospitality industry.”
Another great event for a wonderful cause. We’re off and running for 2008!
This week, the Fete Set goes to the Spoleto Festival USA auction (Friday, January 25) and the Roper Xavier Society Gala (Saturday, January 26).
It’s for a good cause!
Ida
