The Duncan Banner

Local News

September 23, 2012

Local celebrities to serve up a celebration

United Way promotes tipping for a good cause

Rebeka Rutledge The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — United Way of Stephens County is set up to partner with Peyton’s Place for a night full of red carpet fun with several local “celebrities.”

As the first fundraiser for this year’s campaign season, the organization is hosting a Celebrity Server Night from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Peyton’s Place.

It’s a new kind of event, which fits in with this year’s slogan — “A new day for giving, a new day for volunteering, a new day for celebration.”

“I think it’s going to be a great event because it’s something different for the community,” said Lauren Siess, United Way director. “We hope everyone comes out to enjoy the food and festivities for a great cause.”

Among the well-known “celebrities” who will be waiters and waitresses for the evening are Duncan Mayor Gene Brown, Stephens County Sheriff Wayne McKinney, Central High Mayor Julie McKinney, saxophonist Jermaine Mondaine, Rep. Dennis Johnson, State Senator Don Barrington and three KSWO news personalities Monte Brown, Matthew Dipirro and Caroline Kimbrell.

“They are so excited and all said ‘yes’ immediately after being asked,” said Russ Stewart, campaign chairman. “They haven’t expressed any nerves.”

Each of the celebrity servers will be paired with a Peyton’s Place server to help service go a little smoother and faster. United Way encourages large tips to their celebs because every penny given to the servers goes directly toward the campaign funds.

Because this is a new type of event, organizers haven’t set a specific goal on how much they want raise, but want to remind the community that their tip is also a tax deductible donation. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 580-470-9393.

Although service may be a bit slower than usual, there is to be plenty of entertainment between interaction with the servers and a couple of other acts. Mondaine will be sharing his saxophone talents and there is to be a Lucille Ball impersonator.

The menu will be limited from what Peyton’s Place usually offers but will still have a good variety of options to choose from. After walking in on the red carpet, the United Way board and its members hopes that everyone who attends has a good time while recognizing they are helping several community organizations.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Stewart said.

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