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"Puttin' on the Ritz"

Vintage Hollywood Premiers in
Hopkins County

by: Bobby McDonald

The red carpet was rolled out and the search lights lead attendees to the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, on Saturday night, for an evening of premier entertainment and pampering, as the 2013 Lights of Life Gala revealed the "Vintage Hollywood" theme, this year.

"It was a night of fun and excitement!" exclaimed one attended. "And, I think Hopkins 'dresses up' pretty good!"

The annual Lights of Life Gala raises money for the Hopkins County Memorial Hospital Foundation and has become the premier social occasion of Hopkins County, a night to dress up, enjoy outstanding entertainment, and fine dinning.

The 2013 Lights of Life Gala Committee is joined by "Marilyn" in front of the 1937 Vintage Packard.

This year's funds will be used to purchase a Phillips Monitoring System for the ICU Unit at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital. The unit will be installed in five second-floor rooms to monitor heart rhythm monitoring of heart patients. The monitors will be integrated with the ICU central monitoring station where a qualified EKG technician is located. This addition to the hospital will allow for state-of-the-art healthcare in our community, for you and your loved ones.

Co-Chairs of this year's Gala, Arvis and Sheila Tanton, welecomed the crowd, made introductions, and "kicked off" the live auction of ten items, that had been donated by local business leaders. Another, 82 items were included in the silent auction, that features, original paintings and photographs, jewelry, dinning experiences, and furniture, that had also been generously donated by local businesses. Don Sapaugh served as the auctioneer for the live auction.

"Rotel & Hot Tomatoes" was the featured band for the evening, back by popular demand, from last year's performance.

"It was a very successful evening!" expressed a tired Jackie Thornton, Director of the Hospital Foundation, as she pulled her shoes off, sat down and rubbed her feet. "I think everyone had a wonderful time and the bidding was 'brisk' for the auction items. And, the decorating and food were outstanding!"

The 2013 Lights of Life Committee will meet in a couple of weeks for a "wrap-up" meeting and then the 2014 Chairmen will be named and the planning will get underway for next year's event! "It's a year-long commitment," expressed Arvis Tanton, during his introductions. "But, I can truthfully say that it has been a most rewarding experience, working with this talented group of people, for the past year!"

Enjoy these photos from Saturday night's premier performance: