By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Tuesday, Oct. 11th, anyone who ate at Shelby’s got a huge surprise. Those who went would have been astounded to see all of the new waiters and waitresses serving. They also might have been puzzled as to why these new waiters looked strikingly similar to many of Madison’s most famous residents.
The reason is because they WERE many of Madison’s most famous residents and they were there to support a great cause. The occasion was the United Way of the Big Bend’s annual Celebrity Waiter Event, which raises money for national charities. This year’s event was their biggest success yet, thanks entirely to the kindness of the Madison community.
In previous years the event has been held at Kens, but this year Shelby’s was home to the outstanding event. There were so many people in attendance that those trying to find a parking spot at Shelby’s might have had to park under the large oak tree several yards behind the building. This year’s event not only met the United Way’s goal, it surpassed it.
The goal for this year’s event was $1,500, which was nearly $500 more than last years event. The nights ending total was $1,563, a whopping 50% increase from last year’s amount. The United Way raised this money through tips and selling homemade desserts.
The whopping increase in the amount they raised also had to do with the cake auction the group held throughout the night. Local residents and politicians made bids on different cakes during the night. The lucky guests who bid the highest got to take home the cake.
This year’s celebrities included Howard Phillips, David Abercrombie, Jada Williams, Mark Buescher, Dr. Stuart Steiger, Mickie Salter, Sheriff Ben Stewart, Ethyl Barefoot, Janet Meir, Ed Meggs, Megan Earnhardt, Cathy Bass, Dianne Sullivan, Alfred Martin, Lou Miller, Willy Gamelero, Jackie Johnson, Cheryl Abercrombie, Crystal Lee, Cindy Vees, Vickie Howerton, Chief of Police Gary Calhoun and Jim Catron.
Another plus to the night were the many desserts that were available. The amazing cakes were provided by Rosa Richardson, Mark Buescher, Jackie Johnson, Cheryl Abercrombie, Jim Catron and Vicki Howerton. Cathy Bass brought banana pudding. Kim Halfhill brought peach cobbler. Heather Wilson, Carol Russo and Stephanie Carrol brought cupcakes. Matt Webb brought chocolate chip cookies.
United Way would like to thank Madison County for all of its support and a special thanks to everyone who attended the event.
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