Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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This building, located around the corner from the post office, is not only historic, but it’s used for a variety of activities outside of the Woman’s Club. For example, Thomasville Rotary Club meets there every week. Other community organizations hold meetings there. So do private organizations and companies for parties, weddings and other functions.
“Our building is here for the community,” said Shirley Miller, vice president, finance chairman and ways and means chairman of the Woman’s Club. “It’s an older, historic, beautiful building, but it’s hard to keep it going.”
The building was constructed in the 1920s for the Woman’s Club. While many key moments in Thomasville’s history happened within its walls, father time and other conditions require a significant expense to keep it up. That is the prime purpose of these annual fundraisers the club holds.
While the need is serious, the object of the fundraiser is to make it fun for the members and, especially, the guests who purchase a ticket in support of the club. In addition to dinner, which begins about 7 p.m., there will be music, dancing and Karaoke, in addition to an auction and door prizes.
Music will be provided by J.R. Griggs, a keyboardist and vocalist who used to perform regularly during the Sunday buffets at the Woman’s Club.
“Swope Montgomery of Bank of North Carolina is paying for the music,” Miller said. “J.R. really likes to interact with the audience. He’ll have some help from some of the members. In fact, my husband, Chuck, will be bringing his trumpet.”
The club has lined up some interesting items for auction. One of them is a four-day, three-night stay at a four-bedroom cottage in Myrtle Beach. A unique birdhouse is also up for auction. Also for sale is a print of a watercolor painting by artist Mike Helsabeck, who has a shop at Childress Vineyards. The painting depicts a cardinal next to a birdhouse with a wreath and is called “Holiday House.” An attractive porcelain vase with a flower design is also up for bidding. So are two rounds of golf at Winding Creek Golf Course and four season tickets to Hi-Toms games. There will also be some theme baskets and, a Woman’s Club tradition, baked goods prepared by members of the club.
In addition, there will be raffle tickets for sale of a chair designed by club member Holly Barker. Barker is a home decorator and a professor at Randolph Community College. It was made by her students.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Thomasville Woman’s Club, Citizen’s Insurance Agency, Rotha’s Formal Wear & Tuxedo and the offices of Dr. James McGhee, James L. Payne, CPA, or Goins, Payne & Co. Miller can be reached at 472-8439. Reservations must be made by Tuesday, April 1.
Childress Vineyards is donating wine for this event and Mike Russell of Elliott Flower Shop is donating floral decorations.
“Everybody who attends should have a really good time,” Miller said. “The community really needs to support this club, Without it, where can you go?”
Staff Writer Kevin Reid can be reached at 472-9500, ext, 230, or at reid@tvilletimes.com.