Monte Carlo Night 2009 supports Hospice provider

Ticket sales, sponsorships and other donations went a long way to help shape the annual benefit. But it was obvious guests were not about to pass up the opportunity to support the charity by participating in its si Silent auction chairwomen Arla Chandler, Hobbie Dees and Barbara Duke had arranged for individuals and businesses to donate more than 300 gift items to prompt bidding during the early segments of the night.



Janet McQueen and Monte Carlo Jackpot sponsor Laura Harmon wandered amid the jewelry section, while Ashley McDaniel and Hospice of Montgomery board member Barbara Grimes gathered with friends under an artist's palette, where more than 50 pieces of artwork were being reviewed by guests.

A tabletop easel highlighted an oil painting by Andre' Kohn, which was raising the ante by the minute for one of the highest silent auction bids of the night.

Board members Jane Barg

Monte Carlo 2009 emcee John Longshore announced a fabulous trip to Kay Largo, as he closed bids during the silent auction, and prepared to end the night raising additional support for the Hospice of Montgomery during a live "funny money" auction.

All across the club

To get them in a bidding and card playing mood, a liquor tast

Monte Carlo 2009 food and beverage chairwoman Amy Crawford ensured there was continuous food throughout the night. Identical buffets were set-up along the interior walkway just outside the ball Glass Room and main bar a few yards away. Patrons lined up again and again at the shrimp-and-grits bars to top their Southern delicacies, several served in champagne glasses.

Orchids and other beautiful blossoms towered over tables where they also selected from miniature crab cakes, quesadil

Hospice of Montgomery board member Dory Hector, Alexandra Ioffreda, Louise Cunningham, Sara Bozeman and others took a break to sit and enjoy the hors d'oeuvres and the nighttime skies with friends on the club's terrace.

Lady Luck beckons

Lady Luck beckoned as "Sweet Home Alabama" played over the loud speakers and as several guests played the one-armed-bandits on the club's log Hospice of Montgomery took home the real jackpot of the night -- the financial support of the community.

That support was provided by Alfa Insurance, the night's High Roller sponsor. Lady Luck sponsors included Adams Drugs, Barganier Davis Sims Architects, Joyce and John Cad Montgomery Country Club to honor those who boldly established Hospice of Montgomery 30 years ago.

Four of the original board members who helped start the charity in 1979 were among those honored at the luncheon. They included Malcolm Car

Their initial efforts launched a program that has served thousands of families in the River Regions over the past three decades, with their successors preparing to launch more exciting plans for growth in the near future.

For more information on Hospice of Montgomery, visit www.hospiceofmontgomer