A Night for the Children’s Gala
McCrady’s was the venue for several hundred guests in attendance at Wednesday night’s A Night for the Children Gala, benefitting Carolina Youth Development Center. I heard that McCrady’s had created a new space, “The Gallery,” specifically for events, so I was interested to see what it looked like. With soaring skylights and dramatic windows, The Gallery offered a split-level space showcasing signature works by renowned local artists. In one area, guests were able to view and bid on silent auction items. Beautifully displayed delectable food offerings complete with two carving stations were set up in the center of the space. On the other side, handmade chairs and tables with crisp white linens were set for guests to dine while listening to the soulful sounds of Rivers and Company. McCrady’s operating partner, David Howard said the space was ideal for distinctive special events and tonight’s event was the first of many. CYDC CEO Barbara Kelley Duncan was being pulled in all directions greeting guests and thanking sponsors. I did finally get the opportunity to speak with her and she was one of the most passionate and sincere women I have ever met. She told me that she has been in her position for five years and at the end of the day it is still all about “her” children. The CYDC’s mission is to make sure that every child in the tri-county area has a safe home environment. The live auction started around 9 o’clock. The ever so popular Ken French was the auctioneer. I have seen Ken at the past two events that I have covered. He really knows how to get a crowd excited about spending money for a good cause. The live auction items were very unique. Guests had the opportunity to bid on a handwritten lyric sheet for John Lennon’s “Real Love”, two VIP tickets to the Colbert Report in New York City, and a week stay in a two bedroom condominium at the West Bay Club on Turks and Caicos Island compliments of Linda and Tony Bakker that went for a whopping $6,300. This was a highly success event, with more than $90,000 raised to provide homes and treatment programs for abused and neglected children.
