Boys & Girls Club to have annual fundraiser

The Celebrity Waiter Dinner, an event held each year to support the local Boys & Girls Club, has continued to grow since its inception more than 20 years ago.
The 21st annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner will continue that trend. More than 350 people are expected to arrive at the V.N. Hall in Abbeville on July 23 for this year’s dinner.
Brian Ford, chief operating officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana and formally the director at the Rodney Simon Unit in Abbeville, said the event’s on-going success is based solely on one thing.
“It is amazing how much the community of Vermilion Parish believes in their youth and understands the importance of continuing to invest in them through programs like the Boys & Girls Club,” Ford said. “Celebrity Waiter continues to grow every year due to the generous support of our local political leaders, business owners and caring citizens.
“With so many things going on in the world today, a safe haven for our youth with a variety of educational and leadership programs is a very valuable resource for our community.”
As for the event, it will hold up to its title.
“There will be an amazing group of local celebrities waiting on the tables this year,” Ford said.
Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m. followed by a steak dinner and auction beginning at 7:30 p.m. Local artist Jaryd Lane will perform during the cocktail hour. This years Gold Table Sponsors are Coastal Chemical, Fire Safety Services, Gulf Coast Bank, Ray Chevrolet, and Courtesy Automotive Group. Tables are $800 and seat 8 people. Gold Level Sponsor tables are $1,500, and this year the District Attorney Mike Harson is the Presenting Sponsor at the $15,000 level.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased by contacting Col. Kirk Frith with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office at 898-4428.
“We urge anyone who has never been to this event before to come out and support the Boys & Girls Club this year,” Ford said. “You will enter in on the red carpet and have the opportunity to collaborate with the who’s who of Vermilion Parish.”
Again, many around the parish have helped make this event a success.
“There are numerous people involved in making this event an on-going success,” Ford stated. “With that being said, special thanks goes to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, who has been a major supporter for many years and will be conducting the live auction once again this year, as well as District Attorney Mike Harson. who is the Presenting Sponsor this year. The Abbeville Kiwanis Club, and the City of Abbeville are also big supporters.
“We would like to thank everyone involved for their support and continue to remember Mr. Rodney Simon, who was instrumental in bringing the Boys & Girls Club to Vermilion Parish nearly 25 years ago.”
All the funds raised during Celebrity Waiter will go directly to support the Rodney Unit in Abbeville. The club serves all kids ages 6-18 and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the summer and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. after school. The return on money donated could be considered priceless.
“A large portion of the budget to operate the Boys & Girls Club is generated from this event,” Ford said. “The proceeds will be used to continue to provide services to the nearly 500 kids a year that the club serves year round during the summer and after school.”