Donors and Special Friends “Rock” the House and Raise Over $140,000
September 26 was a night to remember as SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals celebrated its first two quarters of operation and recent reopening by throwing a party to end all parties. David and Carol Callahan acted as presenting sponsors for the event, which was co-chaired by Yvonne Knutson and Carol Richards. UNC Hospitals served as the Platinum Sponsor, helping to ensure the event’s success. (See the complete list of sponsors below.) The evening proceeds raised scholarship funds that will allow all families, regardless of ability to pay, to stay at the House. The amount of money raised currently stands at $140,000 with funds still coming in from guests who attended.
Rockin’ for the House follows last year’s event, Raising the Roof, which launched the public phase of our campaign to build our 40-bedroom hospitality house and raised $400,000. The historic Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill served as backdrop once again as 320 guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner, and a program that included an inspiring talk from Jim Calandro, a recent UNC patient and Family House guest. After dinner, guests danced to the live music of the Reality Band, and got a little taste of Vegas at the live casino.
As a colorful side-bar and theme to the evening, ten local artists provided hand-painted rocking chairs that were auctioned off prior to and after dinner. The rocking chairs captured the essence of the comforts of home offered to patients and guests at Family House who are in sore need of a dose of it.
Kudos to the coordinating committee and the local artists who painted the rockers (see below). Last but not least, we want to express our lasting gratitude to the evening’s primary sponsors, David and Carol Callahan. David and Carol agreed early on to underwrite the costs of the event, and without this couple’s generous participation, there would have been no gala.
Yvonne Knutson, the evening’s indefatigable organizer and planner, stopped long enough after the meal to reflect on the evening’s success: “It was a great evening for SECU Family House. The Carolina Inn served as host to approximately 300 generous supporters of Family House. We had great success and I expect it to increase each year.”
We look forward to next year’s event. Thank you—one and all—for your hard and gratifying work on behalf of SECU Family House—and thanks to all those who came out and “rocked the night away.”
Ckick here to see the Rockin for the House photo gallery »
Rockin’ for the House Coordinating Committee:
Yvonne Knutson, Co-chair
Carol Richards, Co-chair
Sue Anna
Lee Blackman
Christy Bowman
Melrose Fisher
Margie Haber
Eva Higgins
Maggie Morris
Susan Skolsky
Event Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor, $35,000
David & Carol Callahan
Platinum Sponsor, $25,000
UNC Hospitals
Gold Sponsor, $10,000
Anonymous
The Furniss Family & Friends
Silver Sponsor, $5,000
Atma Hotel Group
Roche
Bronze Sponsor, $2,500
Gracia Barry
Mary and Dale Carey
Patricia A. Gerrick
Yvonne Knutson
Lee Iron & Metal
Local Government Federal Credit Union
Ann Petersen
Dr. Uday & Laura Reebye
Steve and Susan Skolsky
Hosts, $1,500
Bill & Lee Blackman
Melrose Fisher
Dr. Mark Knelson & Mary Beth Boening
Resolute Building Company
Carol & Steve Richards
SECU (State Employees’ Credit Union)
Tom Shea
Jeff & Janis Tillman
Local Artists Who Donated Rocking Chairs:
Lynda Baddour
Claire Broyhill
Barbie Dalton
Mary Moore
Susan Neufeld
Dana Pearsall
Maryanne Roper
Ellen Schiffman
Mary Webb
Ralph Wileman
Lee Wollman