Posted on November 3, 2013

Originally published in the El Dorado News-Times on Monday, November 4, 2013.

El Dorado Service League?s fall fundraiser, Toast the Night Away, will be held from 7 p.m. until midnight on Nov. 16 at the  El Dorado Golf and Country Club.

"Diamonds are a girl?s best friend and one is up for grabs at the Toast the Night Away fundraiser,? Christy Wheeler, fundraiser chair, said.

"Murphy-Pitard Jewelers generously donated a .52 carat, white, Antwerp diamond valued at $3,220 for one lucky person to win during the Diamond Champagne Toast,? Wheeler said.

"Toast the Night Away will be the event of the fall season because it is ultimately about raising money so that the El Dorado Service League can continue to fund all of our programs benefiting Union County Children,? she said.

For $50 per ticket, guests will enjoy an open bar sponsored by El Dorado Chemical and dine on pork loin, chicken cordon bleu and a variety of other hors d?oeuvres while listening to live music by local cover band 32 Strikes.

"Each couple will also receive a complimentary photograph taken by one of two professional photographers, Joanna Benson or Melissa Laird,? Wheeler said.

To participate in the Diamond Champagne Toast, guests can purchase a glass of champagne at the event for an additional $20. One of those glasses will hold the key to the diamond. The toast will occur at 9 p.m. during the event.

"A diamond isn?t the only thing that guests could win. The list of silent auction items grows by the day, thanks to the generosity of local companies and community members,? Wheeler said.

"Up for grabs are a variety of items, including an Android tablet, one night?s stay at the Downtown Marriott in Little Rock with two tickets to the Arkansas Razorback/Mississippi State game (row 29, main corner), eight tickets to Disney World, Gucci sunglasses and more,? said Mellissa Parnell, auction chair.

Other items to be auctioned at the event include a round of golf for two at Mystic Creek, a summer membership to the El Dorado Golf & Country Club, KitchenAid® five-quart stand mixer in tangerine from Timmins Hardware, a two-night stay at a condo in Hot Springs, Belotero treatment from Dr. Richard Pillsbury, a Pure Bliss facial from Spa on Main, Razorback Rug from Storey?s Floor & Carpet, gift certificates valued at $100 or more to area businesses, advertising in Cloud 9, an autographed Razorback football, a bouncy house rental from Hays Rental, one-hour Massage Envy massage, athletic passes, a Coach clutch purse, beauty products from area salons, photo packages from Dageaux?s Photography and Fringe Photography, decorative leather trunk from Burbank Furniture, Polar Heart Monitor from Sports Alley, lamp from Sydney Murphy designs, pendant light donated by Andrea Brooks Interiors and much more.

All proceeds from this event are used to fund ESL programs, which includes Start Smart, which ensures that Union County children have the school supplies needed; buying Christmas presents for more than 100 Salvation Army Christmas Angels and purchasing food and clothing for children and families during times of emergencies, such as a house fire, job layoff or other crisis, Wheeler said.

"Everything the El Dorado Service League does is to further our mission to help the children of Union County,? Katie Owens, ESL president, said.

"By purchasing a ticket to Toast the Night Away, you get to dress up, have a good time and help children in our community. It?s a win for everyone.?

For more information on Toast the Night Away, including how to purchase tickets, contact Wheeler at (870) 814-6535 or Kris Madison at (870) 866-3590."