(Article by Lamar Gunter from “The Dilworthian”)

The Charlotte Dilworth South End Rotary Club’s “Beach Party in February” raised about $12,500 for the club’s philanthropic projects.

Co-Chair Kate Richards said the success of the party means the club can sponsor four veterans on the May 21 Flight of Honor. One of the veterans who will go on that flight is Nick Nicholson, a Dilworth club member.

Other causes that will benefit from the success of the party include: Men for Change, which deals with domestic violence, receives $1,000; Samaritan House, which helps homeless people recuperate after hospitalization, receives $2,000; The Purple Promise Foundation, which fights melanoma, receives $1,000; Crisis Assistance Ministry, which provides assistance to needy families, receives $2,000; World Community Service, which supports Rotary projects overseas, receives $2,500; and Rotary’s Polio Plus receives $2,000.

The party featured a beach theme, so dress was casual. Ocean backdrops, beach music and casino games put everyone in a vacation mood. Each person received one raffle ticket and the opportunity to win other tickets in the casino games. The casino had professional dealers who played black jack, roulette, craps, and slot machines. Winnings could be turned in for more raffle tickets.

A raffle was held at the end of the evening for the grand prize of a 32" flat screen LCD television. A club member’s wife was the big winner.

The event also included a 50/50 raffle this year. Tickets were $10, and the club and a former club member split the $730 take.

There were more than 110 items in the auction, including vacations to Amelia Island, Dorset, England, and the Greystone Inn. Bidders also sought to buy professional photography sessions, restaurant gift certificates, personalized stationery, fishing trips, evenings on Lake Wylie, canoe trips, health club memberships, gift baskets, dancing lessons, public relations consulting, and original paintings.

The event was organized by club members Kate Richards and Ret Turner. Committee heads included Justin Bice, Romelle Scharnberg, Howard Castleman, Richard Pockat, David Byron, Kay May, and Lamar Gunter.