Financial Statistics are not complete as of this writing, but it is safe to say that the 2010 Gala was a success. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. The food was good, the auction was fun, Jim Kirk's jokes brought lots of laughter, and the fellowship was wonderful.

Devon Rose Stentiford wowed us with an Acapulco   rendition of the Star Spangled Banner sung beautifully even though she had a sore throat.

Wes Wheeler gave the invocation. Jim Payton demonstrated his auctioneering talents. Dr. John Lofgren, Director of the Appleton Museum of Art, was with the auctioneer and added valuable insights about the art objects as they were auctioned. Jim Kirk was master of ceremonies.

Sixteen year old Tyler Stentiford played delightful dinner music. In an ironic twist, Tyler, who plays the piano at Mark's Steak House every Wednesday evening, won a $50.00 gift certificate to Mark's as the grand door prize. 

Phil Olstein presented Joan Stearns, Director of CFCC's foundation, with a check for $1000 from the Kiwanis Club of Ocala to increase our previously endowed Nancy  Younge Scholarship. He gave her a second check from the Van Note Family to increase a scholarship they had established. A big surprise presentation  was made by Diana Williams. She built up a story about a wonderful long time Kiwanian we wanted to honor and climaxed it by giving Jim Kirk an heirloom painting  of himself as much younger man.

A Jim Jernigan photo had been sent To Marlin Art of NY where it was enlarged, embellished with oils and placed in a lovely frame. Kirk was close to speechless for one of the few times in his life.  Jim Williams Sr took the Mike and did a tribute to which was well deserved.

The last of the silent auctions closed at 9:00 Pm and Shambles band played dance music as long as anyone would dance. by 9:30 most folks had left and we closed down, cleaned up and went home knowing that we had funds for another year of serving children in Marion County.