Many helped make the wildlife art show a success

Friday, Aug. 24, 2007

We are delighted to have raised nearly $26,000 for our grant-making fund and feel indebted to the community of Charles County for its support.

Guests were greeted at the entrance by a live raptor exhibit, including a rescued bald eagle, a red-tailed hawk and a barred owl.

Folks were then encouraged to mingle, sample wild game, sip their favorite cocktail, shop for wood-carved decoys and hand-painted wildlife scenes, and bid on unique silent auction items.

This first-time event was a collaboration of a hard-working team, and the success of this event is the result of their commitment.

So, I would like to especially thank the event committee comprised of Chairwoman Lara Castle, Burkey Boggs, Greg Cusick, William Greer Jr., Jessica Pinkey, Susan Vogel, Kevin Wedding and our Jaycees liaison Sandy Hollewa.

In addition, I would like to thank James Drake and Sara K. Taylor of the Maryland Independent for their coverage of the event, Sonny Goldey of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative for his electrical expertise, Jim Farmer and James Castle.

I also want to thank the folks who believe in our efforts and supported us by sponsoring our inaugural event. These folks are leaders in Southern Maryland and have a strong commitment to increase the quality of life in Charles County.

The sponsors are Bay Media Services, Besche Oil, Chaney Enterprises, Community Bank of Tri-County, County First Bank, Edward Jones, financial adviser John Jilek, Gordon Croft Foundation, Waldorf Jaycees Community Center, Greg Cusick, Hungerford Associates Public Relations and Communication Planning, Maryland Bank and Trust Co., Mercantile Southern Maryland Bank, Mirant Mid-Atlantic, Old Line Bank, Paul and Mary Grant, Quality Built Homes, Southern Maryland Newspapers and Wildes-Spirit Design and Printing.

The contributors to the silent auction included All American Harley-Davidson, Rose Beitzell, Bess Freedlander, Black Box Theatre, the community foundation’s board of directors, Bowie Baysox, Burkey Boggs, Carlson Wagonlit Action Travel, Carrabba’s Italian Restaurant, Chaney Enterprises, Frank and Susan Chaney, Colleen’s Dream, Colony South Hotel, Comcast Cable, Dodds Hunting Services, Gem Auto Appearance, Gold’s Gym, Michelle Goodwin, Mark Hoke, John Michus, Sen. Thomas ‘‘Mac” Middleton, Ron and Christine Parker, Pizza Hotline, Port Tobacco Players, Rice’s Seafood, Rita’s of La Plata, Mary Ida Rolape, Southern Maryland Carousel Group, John Taylor, Turkey Federation, The Vintage Source and Jacqueline Zillioux.

In addition, I would like to thank the board of directors of the Community Foundation of Charles County: Frank Chaney, Kevin Wedding, William Greer Jr., John Trefry, Michael Besche, Lara Castle, Brad Howard, Evelyn Hungerford, John Jilek and Michael Middleton.

And last, but not least, I would like to say a special thank you to the local and regional artists who participated in this year’s event: Robert Bealle, Rose Beitzell, Susan Boarman, Burkey Boggs, John Day, Tommy Deagle, Charlotte Dutton, Francis Edward Sweet, Mark Finisecy, James Kinnett, Ray Stansel, Debra Trent and Ray Whetzel.

It is a real honor to be a part of the Community Foundation of Charles County, and we will continue to work hard to make Charles County the best place to live and give.

Gretchen Heinze, Waldorf