An Evening at the Theatre Takes Center Stage

CareFIRST Carolina Foundation, in partnership with the Hartsville Community Players, hosted a benefit production of the play, The Dixie Swim Club, on Saturday September 19^th.   All proceeds from the benefit are helping local families without any other means receive specialty health care services.  This year, An Evening at the Theatre Premiere Sponsor was Agape Hospice and included a stylish reception at the Black Creeks Arts Center and reserved seating for the play at Center Theater in downtown Hartsville.

The black-tie optional reception preceding the play included live entertainment, specialty hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, participation in a silent auction, entrance to the play and reserved theater seating.  Over 180 supporters turned out to take part in the benefit.  

“It was a fantastic evening,” said Ann Lewis, CEO of CareSouth Carolina.  “We are so pleased to have this partnership with the Hartsville Community Players.   This is our second year, and I really think it’s thrilling to be able to support the local arts community and, at the same time, assist those struggling to receive access to specialty health care.  Plus, the money raised stays here, helping families right here in the Pee Dee. ”

“The night had a little bit of everything,” said Charlie Gray, President of CareFIRST Carolina. “We had terrific food, provided by Carol Bowdre of Bennettsville; good company; a fantastic performance of a really good play by the Community Players; some excellent silent auction items; and the satisfaction of raising dollars for a good cause.   We really couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Silent auction items included three official NFL collectors items donated by Rufus Bess: NFL football signed by Minnesota Vikings Running back Adrian Peterson; an official NFL signed photo and collectors card signed by retired Minnesota Viking and Hartsville native, Rufus Bess; and an official signed photo of Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield.  Additional items included 4 skybox luxury seat tickets to the November 15^th Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons game (donated by I.H. Solutions); a Craftsman tool set (donated by Mark Sobiski); a signed wildlife print (donated by Diana Moyd); one night stay including breakfast at Abingdon Manor in Latta, South Carolina, the only 5 star restaurant/Bed and Breakfast in inland SC; and some exquisite jewelry – sapphire pendant, apply quartz ring, smokey quartz ring (donated by Linda Butters).  

“A big thank you goes to Denise Ellis of CareSouth Carolina for her help in coordinating the reception volunteers and even being the official bartender for the wine and punch,” said Mark Sobiski, Development Manager for CareFIRST.   “Five young women from the Coker College Dance Team and Cheer Squad acted as volunteers.  I would like to personally thank Adrienne Kennedy, Arianna Ray, Nicole Floyd, Courtney Chitwood and Jasmine Brown for taking the time to assist us and their help at the reception.  We owe so much to those who were willing to give their time and talents.” 

 “The Board is very honored to again be working to not only help local families in a medical crisis but do it by showcasing local talented actors,” said Elayne Mahn, president of Hartsville Community Players.   “We feel this is a great way to make a contribution to a worthy cause.  We are delighted that the audience loved the show and everyone had such a wonderful evening.” 

CareFIRST Carolina is the first regional foundation to focus on improving the access and the quality of health care in the Pee Dee.   CareFIRST Carolina Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) (3) regional type one supporting foundation that raises funds and project capital to benefit the patients of CareSouth Carolina, a Community Heath Center with 10 locations in five counties: Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Lee and Marlboro.

The Friends and Neighbors fund helps local individuals in need of specialty services like cardiology and orthopedics who simply do not have the financial means to pay for them.  For more information or to donate to this fund, call Mark Sobiski at 843.857.0111, ext. 307.