On Saturday, Sept. 20 at The Shed in Port Royal, folks within the community will step into their boots, throw on some sparkly bling and come together in support of one of most beloved organizations in northern Beaufort County — the Wardle Family YMCA of Beaufort County. Yes, it’s time for the 5th Annual Boots & Bling Fundraiser and Silent Auction.
Downhome and uptown collide at this fun event where cowgirl boots and big jewelry are the recommended attire and cactus juice is the signature drink. Popular local band Shark Rodeo will provide plenty of tunes for shaking your groove-thang — expect some line dancing too! Bodacious “grub” prepared by over a dozen local restaurants and eateries provide just the perfect sustenance required to cut a rug all evening long. And at this South by Southwest-themed celebration, no one will go thirsty — there’ll be plenty of wine, beer, soda and the aforementioned Cactus Juice available at the two bars.
This unforgettable evening of unlimited food, live entertainment, dancing and unique silent auction items benefits the YMCA of Beaufort’s capital campaign. “The funds raised during Boots & Bling go directly toward capital improvements at our facility,” said YMCA CEO Mike Bostwick. “We will be resurfacing our main indoor pool. Since this pool is so large and deep, the cost is around $80,000. We hope to make a sizable dent in that dollar figure at Boots & Bling!”
This year, in addition to the silent auction, there will be a pre-event raffle for a 2010 EZ-GO electric golf cart. The golf cart has a new windshield, new tires, new batteries, seats 4, and features a 19-mile per hour chip and front headlight so it is road ready.
Rob Averill, Boots & Bling event chairman, is thrilled to have such a substantial item donated this year. “We will be holding the raffle for the golf cart starting on Sept. 3. Each raffle ticket will be $25 or you can get 5 for $100. You can purchase these raffle tickets at the YMCA in Port Royal and at Boots & Bling. We’ll draw for the golf cart winner during the event, however you do not need to be present to win.”
This year’s silent auction items include a smorgasbord of goodies including rounds of golf, golf clubs, gift certificates to various businesses and restaurants, one-of-a kind pieces of art, autographed books by several local authors, fine jewelry and more.
“We are once again extremely grateful to our local business community, Y members, volunteers and friends for their generous donations to the auction. We also have many “Bling” level event sponsors and in-kind sponsors who are supporting this event. Without all their assistance and financial support, an event like this just would not be possible,” Averill added.
With so many programs for every age, ability and economic circumstance, The Wardle Family YMCA shines as a pacesetter in bringing our diverse community together on so many levels. So grab your best pair of jeans, straighten that Stetson and mosey on over to The Shed on Saturday at 6 p.m. because you don’t want to miss a minute of one of the most enjoyable events in all of Beaufort.
Boots & Bling tickets are $50 for individuals and $90 for couples. Tickets can be purchased at the Y front desk at 1801 Richmond Ave. in Port Royal or online at www.ymcabeaufortcounty.com. For more information, contact Mike Bostwick :mbostwickymca@islc.net.
