HOPE to hold fund-raising 'Renaissance' evening
Special to the Banner

Volunteers and sponsors are making plans for this year's major fund raising event to benefit H.O.P.E. Inc. in Jacksonville to be held at the Castle on the Lake, Hwy. 79, Saturday, April 26, 6 to 10 p.m.

Jeana Pierce Brooks, chairperson for the project announced the theme for the 2008 event as "A Renaissance Evening at the Council," and expressed gratitude to the sponsors who are "members of the Royal family."

Emperor sponsors are B. J. Carpenter and Cowden Oliver.

Kings and queens sponsor include Austin Bank, Legend Oaks Healthcare, and Mother Frances Hospital/Jacksonville. Dukes and Duchesses sponsors are Capital One Bank, Castle on the Lake Inn, Jacksonville Daily Progress, East Texas Medical Center/Jacksonville, State Rep. Chuck and Billie Hopson and the Womens' Total Care of East Texas/Stacy and Jim Wasson, Haney Trucking/Mollie and Brax Haney.

More than 80 items will be offered during the Silent Auction with a wide range of selections, including a one week vacation at Lifts West Condo in Red River, N.M., three-day deer hunting trip at 3 G's Ranch, paintings and pottery from local artisans, dinners hosted by prominent citizens, and many more exciting items.

Entertainment is being arranged by Boogie Butt Productions. Silent Auction items are being secured by Joan Malone, Marlene Jowell, and Laurie Brown.

Food is being donated by local restaurants, with Emily Morrow coordinating the activities.

Other committee members include Al Chavira, Charlie Harris, Cris Neeld, Evangalan Saye, Britian Saye, Frances Goodrich, Harry Tilley, Joan Malone, Julie Duren, Julie Vining, Patsy McLeod, Reba Smith, Renita Pontenberg, Richard Heidleberg, Robin Butts, Shana Felder, Stacy Wasson and Sharon Thompson.

Drama students from Lon Morris College will be dressed in Renaissance costumes to greet guests, and to formally announce the Lords and Ladies as they enter the castle.

Providing entertainment will be harpist Ruth Anne Morgan, Luke Baker at the piano, saxophonist Sean Fuller, singers Patricia Helm and Sam Smith, and "Dancing Under the Stars" with Robin Butt of Boogie Butt Productions.

The ticket price is $40 a person with all proceeds to benefit the 20 programs and services provided by the HOPE Center. H.O.P.E., Inc. works in the community to offer assistance to the economically disadvantaged in our area.