Annual Ritz raises $200,000 for hospital

By Wade Allen
Editor
Nov. 12, 2009

Photo courtesy of Wade Allen

Provost Charles Harrington (left), Billie Harrington, Wade Allen, Karen Jenkins and Chancellor Charles Jenkins pose at the 16th annual “Putting On The Ritz” fundraiser for the Scotland Hospital Foundation on Nov. 7 in Laurinburg. The event raised $200,000 for future hospital patients.

When you combine nearly 600 philanthropists, world-class food, glitz, glamour and a Tony Award-winning actor, you’re bound to raise a large sum of money for a cause.

The 16th annual “Putting on the Ritz” benefit held in Laurinburg on Nov. 7 did just that. Not only did the event raise $200,000 for future patients, but donors enjoyed a first-class evening of entertainment and elegant festivities.

Ice sculptures and massive live floral centerpieces were everywhere at the event, which required black tie attire.

Tony winner
Legendary actor Ben Vereen, who won a Tony award in 1973 for his role in “Pippin,” hosted the event that took place on the campus of Scotland Memorial Hospital.

Vereen spoke, praised healthcare workers in the audience, danced and sang. He talked about his appreciation for doctors after his brush with death when he was hit by a car in 1992.

“They said I’d never be able to do this again,” Vereen said, as he began to dance around the black and white checkered dance floor.

He also placed bids on many of the silent auction items that were available and donated $1,000 to the foundation.

Prior to the event, Vereen visited with hospital patients and prayed with many of them in their rooms.

He said that he was proud to be at the event in his home town of Laurinburg.

Delicacies
Donors feasted on eight tables of food, ranging from sushi to beef tenderloin.

A room especially coordinated for dessert was open and featured home made creations by professional chefs.

Custom decorated cupcakes, fruit with fondue dip, chocolate and vanilla pudding and cakes in the shape of miniature poodle dogs were available for the taking.

A massive ice scultpure in the shape of a grand piano held hundreds of jumbo shrimp as people piled them high on their glass plates.

There were approximately two members of the waitstaff for each of the 60 tables assembled. At the donors’ beck and call, the servers made sure that each patron felt taken care of and comfortable.

Elegance
The event payed special attention to detail with valet parking, china plates, crystal glassware and silver utensils.

Professional photographers were on hand to set up portraits with those wishing to capture the moment.

Black carpet had been layed down on the floor and white linen tablecloths covered each table.

With both a live and silent auction held, bidders had plenty of goods and services to choose from.

Items sold to the highest bidders included a gas grill, vacation package to Pinehurst, framed artwork, autographed books, a woven rug, restaurant gift certificates and even a voucher for a professional interior decorator to custom decorate your home for the holiday season.

UNCP support
Among those present from UNCP were Director of Information Technology Planning and Budgeting Maureen Windmeyer, Chancellor Charles Jenkins and his wife Karen and Provost Charles Harrington and his wife Billie.

GPAC donated tickets to future events with dinner prior to the silent auction.

Organized by the hospital foundation, the benefit raises money for healthcare that directly impacts people in the region.

“Doctors are healers, not curers,” Vereen said. “The only thing you can cure is ham.”