THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 27, 1996 TAG: 9603260132
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 11 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
A Gala Benefit Banquet was held at Smithfield High School on March 8 on behalf of Mary W. Wells.
The banquet was a climax point for the fund-raising effort to cover the cost of a bone marrow transplant, a ``Gift of Life,'' for Mary Wells.
The beauty of the event was in the coming together of Isle of Wight's finest citizens in support of the humanitarian effort being made on behalf of Mary Wells.
The guest list was a ``Who's Who in Isle of Wight County'' - judges, lawyers, doctors, business leaders, ministers and the people of Isle of Wight. Every member of the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors was in attendance, as well as the county administrator, treasurer, commissioner of revenue, clerk of courts, county attorney, and the mayor and vice mayor of Smithfield. The Surry County administrator was also in attendance.
The decor for the evening was done in yellow and green, the colors of spring when nature begins to come alive, as we pray that Mary's bone marrow transplant will give her the ``Gift of Life.'' The tables were beautifully decorated with flowers, bows and lanterns displayed over white linen tablecloths. The delicious meal was served on china, with glass and silverware, by servers from Baxter's Catering Service of Hampton, attired in tuxedo pants, white evening shirts, cummerbunds and bow ties.
Entertainment for the evening was superb as promised, with music by Gwendolyn Coleman, the Rev. Fred J. Boddie Jr., and fforte, a jazz ensemble. The program had no speaker, instead devoting the time to recognize and thank all who supported the effort. Little Zion Baptist Church, ``The Little Church with the Big Heart,'' received the top award for their lead in outstanding support overall.
Guests received an elegant, classic souvenir program booklet bound in linen, displaying congratulatory letters from Gov. George Allen, Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors and the mayor of Smithfield, along with many other interesting articles and beautiful pages of advertisement.
The People for Mary Wells are still seeking and receiving monetary donations, as the banquet was a climax but not the culmination of the fund-raising drive. Funds raised as of banquet time were just over $25,000. Donations are still in great need to ensure that at least the cost of the bone marrow transplant at MCV can be covered, as there are still ongoing expenses at Obici, Sentara Norfolk and now Riverside Hospital for the family to pay.
The People for Mary Wells are asking all businesses, churches, organizations and individuals who have not contributed to please send a donation as soon as possible. Donations may be sent to: The People for Mary Wells, 9 St. Catherine Drive, Carrollton, Va. 23314-3105. For information, call 238-2842.
All who have previously contributed may raise their contribution to a higher level if they so desire.
Mary Wells and those who are working on her behalf are deeply grateful to everyone in support of this humanitarian effort of ``People Helping People to Help People Help People.''
Evelyn Chandler
Chairperson of The People
for Mary Wells
St. Catherine Drive
Carrollton by CNB