Starlight Gala: A Gatsby Affair

Dress in your top hats and pearls as you take a trip back into the roaring twenties while attending the annual Starlight Gala 2014 benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Bryant. Enjoy a night of music, dining, and dancing while bringing in the New Year.

“A Gatsby Affair” will be held at the Benton Event Center from 7pm to midnight on New Year’s Eve. Attendees should expect a red carpet entry way, a black tie environment with photographers taking pictures of guests upon arrival, gold and black decorations throughout, and white glove service. Expect the unexpected. Suzanne Passmore, the Boys and Girls Executive Director, says, “Plans also include an antique 20s style car. You might also find a beautiful ice sculpture, an outdoor cigar bar, a mid-evening after party celebration, unique photo booth, a one of a kind silent auction, and of course a midnight toast to great futures.”

In years past, the event has been held at Bishop Center in Bryant, but with the expectation of over 600 guests, the venue has been changed to the Benton Event Center where more people can be accommodated. This year the event will also feature Honorary Guests of the evening, Shane and Debbie Broadway. “They have given so much to our community and this will be an evening for us to say ‘thank you’ for their dedication to our kids,” Brooke Andrews, Head Chair of the Event, said.

The lavish event is being sponsored by Landers of Benton. This is the fourth annual Starlight Gala and Landers has sponsored the event every year thus far. “Landers has always sponsored this event. Rodney Plack, our area VP, is on the board at the Boys and Girls Club of Bryant,” Cheryl Cook of Landers said. “We love helping and volunteering at the club. It’s special because it does raise so much money and helps meet some of the needs of the Boys and Girls Club of Bryant,” Cook concluded.

Bistro Catering will be supplying the food again this year prepared by Chef Bonner Cameron. Food and drink that is timeless will be served all throughout the night. “A vision of upscale classic food which ties into the theme of the Great Gatsby will be served. Items such as oysters, crab claws, Caesar salad, and also a Classic Manhattan,” Crystal Dear of Bistro Catering, said. “This year we are ‘beefing’ it up with blackened prime rib, rosemary au jus, and horseradish cream. If that isn’t your favorite we are also doing chicken piccata, seared Atlantic salmon, and Berkshire pork tenderloin with carving stations,” Dear said.

Proceeds from the night go to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Bryant and all of the programs that they provide to the children of the Saline County community. The programs at the club are Photography, I Can Dance, Guitar Class, Arts and Crafts, Technology Center, Power Hour-Homework Help, Flag Football, Torch Club, Go Girls Go, Passport to Manhood, Kids Rap, Smart Girls, Triple Play, and Girl Scouts. Every day, approximately 500 children pass through the doors of the Boys and Girls Club of Bryant and are welcomed by caring professionals, life enhancing programs, hope and opportunity.

The Starlight Gala is the Boys and Girls Club biggest fundraising event of each year. Passmore encourages anyone who is willing or able to purchase tickets to the event, be an event sponsor, donate a unique auction item, or sponsor a table for others to attend. “You will be playing a role in helping hundreds of children reach their full potential and find their path to a great future. Through the support of the caring individuals and businesses, we will further our mission and impact the lives of young people so that all of the youth we serve demonstrate positive outcomes in Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles,” Passmore said.

Individual tickets are $100 and $175 for couples. They may be purchased online at bryantbgc.org/starlight-gala.aspx or facebook.com/starlightgala. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Come out, enter into West Egg, Long Island, and enjoy going back in time for a great cause. “It’s not about what you have or what you have accomplished, it’s about who you’ve lifted up and made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” – Club Alumni Denzel Washington. “We should all do our part to make a positive difference and make someone’s life a little better,” Passmore concluded.