The “Thanks for Giving” dance to benefit Richie Spears was a huge success.  On Saturday night, Nov. 17, more than 200 people showed up at the Hatteras Civic Center to donate money, have fun, and show their support and love for Richie, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in February.    Several people commented that they had never seen so many people at the civic center at one time, which demonstrates how this community comes together in times of crisis.  

Local businesses and restaurants donated gift certificates, food, beverages, prizes, art, and time, and some gave money.   Everyone we approached and asked to donate agreed enthusiastically.  We actually had more people asking to help with decorating and getting ready than we could put to work.  Several individuals came forward to give time, money, and food as well.  It would be arduous to try and list everyone here, and I’m quite sure someone would be unintentionally left out.  

However, there are a few key individuals who must be recognized for their hard work and dedication to pulling this event off in a month’s time.  Michelle Pherson, Rachel Hice, Dee Callahan, Nikki Spears, and I were on the original committee.  The music of Jones Potion and Shelly Rollinson kept people dancing, and bartenders, Secky Austin, Donna Peele, Judy Banks, Amanda Otto, Beth Bailey, Buddy and Buffy Reed, Terry and a fraternity brother of Richie’s kept the drinks coming.  Debbie and Brenda Harrison kept the food coming under the supervision of Dee Callahan.  Katie Oden, Buffy Reed, Travis Salyers, Sarah Greene, Rose Alice Mayo, Sue Jones, Gus Slaughter, and Nicole Fairbanks helped to decorate. Sorry if I forgot anyone.

Daniel Pullen was there taking pictures for Richie and Nikki to enjoy while he undergoes treatment.
    
About $18,000 was raised through ticket purchases, raffle tickets, and a silent auction.   

Richie is awaiting a bone marrow transplant, and all proceeds from the dance go straight to him and his wife Nikki to try and alleviate immediate financial needs they may have.  They had to close their restaurant in Hatteras village, The Hatterasman Restaurant and Sushi Company, after Richie became ill.    

Thanks for giving to a worthy cause to everyone involved.  Enjoy the slide show from
 the dance.  

Click Here To View Slideshow