CAAC’s Annual Gala sets fundraising record

Clover Area Assistance Center’s 13th Annual Gala goes down in history.

The Gala is the largest fundraiser for CAAC and this year’s “Diamonds & Denim” themed April 21 event at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden proved to be the largest fundraiser ever, said executive director Karen van Vierssen. The event grossed more than $66,000.

Despite a last minute cancellation by the celebrity guest auctioneer, Keith Larson of WBT Radio filled in and enticed the attendees into spending more than $12,000 on live auction items. Together with the silent auction, close to $17,000 was raised selling items donated by local businesses and members of the community.

R.J. Phillips of the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions presented CAAC with a check for $14,000, of which $4,000 was designated to support CAAC’s Dental Clinic services provided by local volunteer dentist Dr. Stacy Blackmon and her staff. The Lions are the parent organization of Clover Area Assistance Center and have supported and partnered with them for more than 30 years.

The Gala also brought attention to CAAC’s “Keep it Local! Feed the Need In OUR Community” campaign, with attendees bringing food donations for the center.

Cottonwood bluegrass band started the evening off with a live acoustic performance.

Planning the event took 14 volunteers seven months to organize, from collecting auction items and finding sponsors, to creating the decorations and arranging food for the evening. Volunteers Pam Lydon and Alice Ewers co-chaired the event, and Pastor Jason Everson served as the emcee for the evening.

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 4:15 PM with the headline "CAAC’s Annual Gala sets fundraising record."