With tallying and trickle donations still being figured (at press time), what we can report for sure is that the 11th Annual ‘Music for Ministry' fundraiser had its longest list of sponsors and auction donors in the event’s history.
One hundred twenty-three different merchants or individuals donated items to the Live or silent auction.
The number of sponsorships at every level was significantly greater than last year, with the longest list of top-tier sponsors ever, donating $1,000 or more. Additionally, new names were added to the ‘Music for Ministry’ sponsor rolls at every level.
The Martin Luther King Mass Choir kicked off the event, and the second time host church, NewSpring’s Praise and Worship Team, closed it out.
Before any group took the stage, VIP surprise guests, the Greenwood County Legislative delegation stole the microphone to award Greater Greenwood United Ministry (GGUM) a SC House and Senate resolution honoring GGUM for its 30 years of service to the Greenwood Community. Senator Billy Garrett, along with Representatives John McCravy and Daniel Gibson, presented the plaque to GGUM Executive Director Rosemary Bell and GGUM Board Chairman Brandon Dean.
Both the “Live” and “Silent” auctions were crowd pleasers too, as folks bid on everything from mountain cabin stays, stainless steel cookware, to a myriad of gift cards for many establishments, such as Pascal’s, Break on the Lake, David Lindsey Clothier, Sugar Boutique, Mary Frances Limited, and many more. Once again, Darby Bell and Auctioneer Daryl Dodgen hosted the live auction, making quite a humorous pair as they entertained the crowd.
Fat Daddy’s BBQ served up a pulled pork dinner, and the G. Frank Russell Culinary students wowed the crowd with elegant, creative desserts for a palate-pleasing dining experience to match the excitement of the memorable Christian Concert.
Once again, Music for Ministry' showcased 10 different GGUM church partners from various denominations, spanning diverse racial and ethnic origins, for another unifying evening of praising the Lord through song, dance, and fellowship.
GGUM has 68 partner churches, and many members of those churches were in attendance, as they have been for 11 years of ‘Music for Ministry’.
We've wrapped up another unforgettable Music for Ministry, and the journey is far from over. We’ll see you next year for the 12th Annual Music for Ministry.