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Chester Wise Center plans March 14 gala at Silver Swan to raise funds for accessible group home
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Summary
Chester Wise Center will hold its annual fundraising gala on March 14 at the Silver Swan (near Blue Heron Golf Course) to raise money to rebuild the Ringgold Home and support the center’s housing program; organizers highlighted auctions, a signature walnut cake ($150 per slice) and musical entertainment.
Kathy and Wheeler of the Chester Wise Center said the nonprofit will hold its annual fundraising gala on March 14 at the Silver Swan, a waterfront venue near the Blue Heron Golf Course, with proceeds directed toward rebuilding an accessible group home known as the Ringgold Home.
"It's gonna be March 14," Kathy said, announcing the event. "It's gonna be at the Silver Swan ... 5 in the evening until 10 in the evening, semi formal attire, open bar, a beautiful sit down dinner," she said.
The gala will feature several fundraising activities organizers described on QAC TV: a 60-number board where attendees buy numbered slots (prices described as $5, $10 or $15 per board) for a 50/50-style prize; a gift-card draw in which attendees pay $20 to draw a card from a pool of donated gift cards (organizers said cards are valued at $25 or more); and both silent and live auctions that will include travel and outdoor-experience packages.
Wheeler described the center's housing work and why the gala matters: "We have 11 homes," he said, and proceeds from the dinner and auction will help pay to raise and rebuild the Ringgold Home to add accessible showers, wider doorways and other features for residents. He traced the center's roots more than 50 years, naming founders Bobbi Ann Nash and Dr. Harry Rhodes.
The event will also spotlight the center's signature black walnut cake. Wheeler recalled the cake's origin: a donor, Florence Howard, made a cake at the first auction, and early bids rose unexpectedly. "I think I brought about $1,000 the first night," Wheeler said, and he said the cake once drew bids as high as $10,000 in peak years. Organizers told the program this year the cake will be sold by the slice at $150 per slice; Kathy said last year's cake-by-the-slice raised about $3,000.
Entertainment will be provided by Steve Moody, a local entertainer and radio personality who will serve as DJ for the evening. Kathy described the gala's theme as "Lucky Stars," tying the imagery to clients and donors and noting the event falls near St. Patrick's Day.
Organizers encouraged the public to buy tickets and to support the center. Wheeler invited viewers to visit the Chester Wise Center in Graysonville or reach out via the center's website for more information. "Give us a holler," he said. "We'll be glad to show ... what we do."
The gala is scheduled for March 14 at the Silver Swan; tickets and donation information are available through the Chester Wise Center.
