Editor, Commonwealth:
The 11th annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner, a fundraiser for Greenwood’s Community Kitchen, was a big success and something I’m not likely to forget. We netted just shy of $7,000, which was more than a 10 percent increase over last year’s event.
As usual, there are many folks to recognize and be thankful for. At the risk of overlooking someone, I will attempt to offer a complete list here.
First, we thank the Elks Lodge on Sgt. John Pittman Drive for allowing us the use of its building. Then, Kathryn Eastburn of The Greenwood Commonwealth for reporting on, and attending, the event. Next, Larry’s Catfish House and Steven’s Bar-B-Q provided the wonderful buffet meal, while the Village Package Store and Capital City Beverage donated the adult beverages.
Johnny Jennings loaned his sound system, and DJ’d the music. Then Vicki Morgan gave her all as a wandering karaoke machine, cajoling guests into a very entertaining sing-along. Somehow that morphed into Stephen Farmer conducting an impromptu auction of a mattress from his store and working Michael Joe Cannon into giving services from his car dealership. The auction continued with Taylor Calhoun donating a case of wine and ended with Cyndi Long offering four first-class airline seats from GE Capital Aviation Services.
The music kicked in with Shannon Melton’s beautiful singing, Charles McCoy leading “Purple Rain” and Ro’Shaun Bailey performing a Bruno Mars hit song. Whew!
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the energy and creativity of the celebrity waiters themselves. They were one of the very best cast of characters ever! In alphabetical order: Anne Marie and Thomas Gregory with Carolyn McAdams as “The Three Stooges,” “Prince” Charles McCoy, “Capt. Jack” Cyndi Long, Gary Dyksterhouse as Donald Trump, Mel Harris as Cyndi Lauper, “Superman” Michael Joe Cannon, Ray “Mozart” Smithee, Ro’Shaun Bailey as Bruno Mars, Shannon “Ulla” Melton, and Taylor Calhoun as Richard Simmons. All were very generous to give their support through ticket sales and serving at the event.
My fellow board of directors at the Community Kitchen should be recognized for their work on the event and throughout the year, especially President Willie Hayes, Vice President Mike Harris, Treasurer Barbara Biggers, Secretary Paulette Palmer and, of course, Executive Director Carlee Bailey.
Lastly, we dedicated the event to the memory of Allison Faulkner, who was a friend to us all and a faithful supporter of the Community Kitchen. Allison served as a waiter in 2015 and was to have been a waiter at this event. It was with a heavy heart that Shannon sang Allison’s signature song, “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Once again, my sincere thanks to everyone, especially the 100-plus dinner guests who gave of their time and money to be there and support the ministry Community Kitchen provides.
Richard Beattie
Board Member
Community Kitchen
Greenwood
