The Museum of the Mississippi Delta drew a packed house to its second annual benefit Thursday night.
The benefit, which raised approximately $10,000, honored Wade Inc. and Greenwood Utilities for their philanthropic efforts on behalf of the museum and the community at large.
During a brief presentation, representatives of Wade Inc., which began as a Greenwood hardware store in 1909, and Greenwood Utilities, which was founded in 1904, were presented with oil paintings by former Greenwood resident Cameron Knight Watson.
The Wade painting featured a John Deere tractor in an agricultural setting. The Greenwood Utilities artwork featured power lines over a landscape of cotton in full bloom.
Cheryl Taylor, the museum’s executive director, credited the people of the Delta for their stamina and dedication.
“This is a very, very unique location,” she said. “Most of you are natives, and you’ve had the privilege of growing up here. Working and raising your families. Celebrating new beginnings, marriages, graduations and how to let go of dear friends and family members.
“You’re a deliberate people; you’re determined; you’re skilled; you’re very protective of your families, your work and your values,” Taylor said.
“You’re a generous people and have a strong commitment to your church, to your God and to your community, and these are the very qualities the museum looks for in deciding who will be the recipient of its annual award for contributions in philanthropy,” she said.
Bill Litton, president of Wade Inc., and Tommy Gary, chairman of the Greenwood Utilities Board of Commissioners, accepted the artwork on behalf of the honorees.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
