12/21/2023
Thanks to “The Lancaster News” for publishing 📰 the following article about our “Dining with the Stars” gala! We appreciate the love from our supporters!
“Dining with the Stars Gala draws best in local talent”
The Dining with the Stars Gala was truly a star-studded event with the best and most talented in Lancaster there to show off their attire and creativity!
Sponsored by the Lancaster Satellite Office of the James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation, the Friday, Dec. 1, event on the campus of USC Lancaster drew 280 guests.
Host Timothy B. Cureton quieted the audience by sharing his sentiments about how beautiful everyone looked and the sounds of the season in the air. The “Face of Sickle Cell” was on parade, as the sponsor’s representatives were dressed to kill, or as we used to say in the neighborhood, “sharp as a tack!”
Guests were treated to delicious food from Jean Hegler’s Catering Service, including sauteed and spicy Meatballs, crab souffle with melba, penne pasta with vegetables and Alfredo sauce, angel hair pasta with pesto sauce, raw vegetables, ambrosia, finger desserts and tea or lemonade.
The lines were long but hearts were happy, while the music kept it moving. Everyone waited patiently for their turn and moved gracefully as the music played to the oldies — the ’70s was the choice — and all chatted and sang along with glee!
While we all dined, there was still picture taking, hugs and networking throughout the room. The buzz was certainly on throughout the evening.
As the judges were introduced, the applause grew stronger for Bobby Bailey, retired educator, drama teacher and principal; John Fisher, business owner and church music director; and Katrina Bernsdorff, drama teacher and community arts activist, as cheers flowed through the room for each of them. They had the awesome job of judging the array of talent on display that night.
Iris Waiters, performing as Aretha Franklin, treated us to “A Natural Woman” in her own Southern style. The Phazar Band and show delivered on “Purple Rain.” Tammy Gillett, performing as Mary J. Blige, really worked “Love Has No Limit.” Jessica Threatt, performing as Aretha as well, hit some notes in “Chain of Fools” that are likely still in the ceiling. Finally, Pamela DeGraffenreid, performing as Etta James, sang “At Last.” Could Beyonce do any better? I think not!
Their performances were the key to the evening and a rousing applause ensued. As the results were being tabulated, local foundation manager and health educator Doris Ealey and Dennis Bailey sang “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” with soulful meaning, making a vow to the community, sickle cell warriors and family that they can count on the foundation.
Ealey emphasized how serious the foundation is to tackle sickle cell and wipe it completely out! She asked the foundation board members and others to join her in this effort in song. Between the artists competition, we enjoyed hearing stories and information about how we can be the face of sickle cell in this community.
Dr. Robin Dawson of the College of Nursing at USC Columbia spoke intensely on the need for educating others and helping to advocate more for sickle cell to be cast out. Her words were tender, but spot on in addressing the needs of the warriors who fight daily and yearly to overcome the pain.
We also heard from Yvonne Donald, deputy director of the James. R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation, who has worked 25 years as a genetic counselor, testing bone marrow and overseeing transplants. Promoting gene therapy is also a part of her job, even in the future hoping for stem cell research to be a part of treatment.
Lastly, we heard from Dr. Dexter Cook, a retired pediatrician who has assisted several patients and families in this community and others with understanding sickle cell disease. He has held babies, talked to parents, calmed fears and earnestly worked to devise more plans for care and the knowledge of what a baby needs while treatment is ongoing. He has been a doctor, friend and mentor to the the Ealey family as their daughter, Tameka, suffered with the disease.
Finally, there was the announcement of the winners. Shocking the audience with their decision, the judges called a tie between Threatt and DeGraffenreid for the No. 1 spot. Both did an excellent job and shared their creativity well. Trophies for both and applause, too!
A memorial tribute was then displayed for all, saluting the warriors we have lost this year. Tears around the room spread as pictures were shown of loved ones. Tameka Ealey, who died this spring, was the last picture shown. Her son Josiah was in attendance, declaring the bravery of his mother to bear this handsome child. As he grows, he will learn of his mother’s pursuit for more research in finding a cure for sickle cell disease.
As the evening wound down, the host announced the winners of the raffle that had circulated around the room all evening. The prizes were awesome and winners were well pleased. Closing remarks were given by Donald and Ealey.
“Be the Face and Voice for Sickle Cell in your Family and Community,” printed on the evening’s program, certainly grabbed attention at this affair.
Thanks to all who took special parts in this year’s gala. Jean Hegler and her servers, Forever Cousins 360 Photobook, TyRiffic Photography and Layton Frasier Video Services will surely be in demand now for the holidays.
A very special thanks was given to the Springs Close Foundation and all other organizations that helped to sponsor this event, as well as the talent participants for giving their time, talent and services in making the evening so successful.
The James R. Clark Foundation will long be remembered for its time, efforts and advocacy in this community. Next year? Of course, there must be another gala for all of us to kick off the holiday season and to render our thoughts and prayers for sickle cell disease victims and their families.
The Dining with the Stars Gala was truly a star-studded event with the best and most talented in Lancaster there to show off their attire and creativity!
