By By Adam Prestridge
Once again, the First National Bank &Trust Celebrity Waiters event proved to be a success as more than 200 people packed David’s Catfish House Monday night to support the annual Relay for Life fundraiser.
According to FNB&T vice president Rene’ Godwin, the event raised more than $7,500 for the Atmore American Cancer Society event with more donations expected this week as final tallies continue to add up.
Celebrity Waiters this year included Sharon Brown and Teresa Martin; John Brantley; Steve Ragan and Andrea Beasley; Ronnie and Jessica Cloud; Judd Coley; David Swift and Chapman Maxwell; Susan Smith, County Commissioner Brandon Smith and wife, Sharon; Kelley Daniels; Michael and Mary Cannon; Jason Barnett; FNB&T President Shep Marsh; Lisa Swift and Advance Sports Editor Chandler Myers.
The group of waiters worked to sell at least 10 tickets to the steak dinner as well as offered great customer service to earn additional donations in tips.
Godwin said she was more than pleased with the funds raised this year.
Not only is the Celebrity Waiters event a huge fundraiser for Relay for Life, but also serves as the largest for the bank.
Daniels and Coley won the “Best Decorated Tables” award for a display of creativity and elegance. Both donated their $50 winning prize back to the event.
The $100 “Most Tips” award went to Swift, whose tips totaled more than $1,200. Swift also donated the $100 prize money to the event.
Godwin thanked everyone involved in the Celebrity Waiters event including the Wild Bunch Butt Burners, who prepared the steaks; Robert “Bull” Faircloth and Rob and Sheilo Faircloth for use of David’s Catfish; Myrna Monroe for preparing desserts and the employees of FNB&T that lended helping hands throughout the day preparing for the event and during the event.
Godwin also thanked Audio Plus, Jus Because, Diamond Gasoline, Nancy's, The Bean Store, Ultimate Fitness and Tammy's Cuttin’ Loose for donating door prizes. Sherry's Elegant Flowers also donated two table arrangements for waiters and Joyce Petty and Atmore Florist prepared the table markers with balloons included.
Last year’s event raised more than $8,500.