A night of boots and bling for the YMCA of Beaufort

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By Abigail Kraft | Boots and Bling, the YMCA’s capital fundraiser, celebrated its fifth anniversary last night at The Shed in Port Royal. More than 150 members of the Beaufort community turned out to have fun and help the Y grow. The event featured popular Beaufort band Shark Rodeo, and many attendees said they were looking forward to the night of fun.

Boots and Bling had a silent auction boasting over 70 items this year, not the least of which were a 6 month Y membership, 2 nights on Fripp Island, artwork by local Tosh Carden, 4 books personally autographed by Pat Conroy, a Growler package from Piggly Wiggly, and (new this year) a golf cart raffle. This year’s fundraiser was dedicated specifically to resurfacing the pool at the Y, which is expected to cost around $80,000. The Y hopes that last night’s event will make a dent in that number.

Rob Averill, store operator at Beaufort’s Piggly Wiggly, was the chairman of the Boots and Bling committee this year. Rob expressed deep thanks to the committee for all their hard work and to Lori Elliott and her mother for the beautiful decorations.

While Beaufort local and YMCA aerobics instructor Kelly Collins has been to all 5 Boots and Bling events, there were some who enjoyed their first one this year. Brenda Rupert was one of these, telling me she “loved the event for providing entertainment and socializing with old friends.”

Betsy Hinderliter, the YMCA’s marketing and development director, was especially thankful to all of the sponsor restaurants: Fat Patties, Q on Bay, Emily’s, Cookies by Charlotte, Plums/ Saltus, Grouchos Deli, Beaufort Bread, Dockside, The Kitchen, and of course, Piggly Wiggly. Betsy and Rob agreed that this year’s Boots and Bling was the best turnout they’ve ever had.

Fun was had by all and everyone involved is already looking forward to next year.

Take a look at some photos of the event, and see who’s been spotted having fun… and for even more photos, visit our See & Be Seen Photo Gallery.

Photos by Bob Sofaly for ESPB.