The price was right
Lewis Center auction raises funds for activities
The 20th annual Lewis Senior Center auction fundraiser recently took place with a large crowd of dedicated members and their guests. Dinner preceded the auction and was prepared by Dale Morton, a center member and lifelong restaurateur. A variety of gourmet pizzas were served along with a refreshment bar. Live entertainment was sponsored by Creative Aging who hosted local favorite keyboard artist Rene Koopman. Koopman kept everyone tapping to the beat throughout the center’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Fierce, but friendly, competition took place during the highly anticipated live auction. Donated items from local businesses and individuals were auctioned off by center favorite, Kenneth Hansard. Hansard has faithfully served as the event auctioneer over the years with great humor keeping the bidders engaged during the fast-paced lively auction.
Former Lewis Center director Terrie Kirksey was the high bidder on the Comcast gift certificate. Senior center member Betty Ramsey got a deal on original acrylic painting by Sandra Phelps. Maggie Brown and friends will be heading to the Movie Series at the Orpheum this summer thanks to the Orpheum’s generous donation and Anna Upton could be dancing with stars after completing her winning lessons from Fred Astaire Dance Studio. One of the featured items ending the auction was an exquisite handloomed wall hanging which Ernestine Primes bought for her great-granddaughter.
Kay Lightfoot, the center ’s new executive director, says the event raised close to $3,000. The funds will be used to purchase equipment for the exercise room located at the center.
The Lewis Center provides a range of activities including educational classes, hot lunches and special events. Anyone age 55 or older may join for a nominal fee by calling 901-576-4256 or visiting the center at 1188 N. Parkway in Midtown. Artistic donors and Lewis Center members Lynn Simmons (left), Sandra Phelps, Kathryn Skinner, Maggie Brown and Sue Miller were among those attending the Lewis Center’s live auction.