Elvis is Alive and Helping Kids in Rome, GA

Feb 16, 2016 | by Don Felice

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On February 11, 2016, the Forum in Rome, GA rocked and rolled with the booming voice of Elvis as the Rome Salvation Army Ladies Auxiliary hosted their first annual 50's Sock Hop fundraiser to benefit The Salvation Army of the greater Rome, GA area children’s programs. Elvis impersonator Duke Edward and his wife Mary, who joined in with an exemplary tribute to Patsy Cline, were both big hits at the evening festivities.

The Ladies Auxiliary in Rome, GA sure knows how to put the FUN in fundraiser for people of all ages. "This is the first of what we hope to be many more successful fund raisers for The Salvation Army," said Moni Owen, Ladies Auxiliary President. Owen recently took on the leadership of the Ladies Auxiliary after two years as a Salvation Army volunteer and a lifetime of service in the development disabilities field.

Captain Storm McClure set the tone for the evening dressed in a perfect pink poodle skirt ensemble complete with bobby socks, saddle shoes, and brightly colored horned-rimmed glasses. As leather jackets and poodle skirts streamed into the perfectly decorated ballroom, hit after hit from the 50's played to the thrill of party-goers.

Randy Quick, General Manager of Rome Radio Partners and past board chairman for The Salvation Army of Rome, GA, and local radio personality Nelle Reagan, served as co-masters of ceremonies for the evening. They also judged the hula-hoop contest. Adding to the fundraising effort, local business donated items for a silent auction. Food was catered by Steak and Shake complete with 50's style milkshakes topped with a Maraschino cherry. As an added treat, the Chick-fil-a cows kept the dance floor a center of fun and entertainment all evening long.

Keeping a solid Salvation Army presence in his traditional uniform among the twirling and swirling 50's era attire was Captain Douglas McClure who said, "We are truly blessed by the gracious donations from the people of the greater Rome area all year long. Together we are doing great things for people in need here."

"It was all for a great cause, and we can't wait for this event to come around again next year," said a silver haired man dressed in a black leather jacket, blue jeans, white socks, and penny loafers.

If fun, excitement, and community goodwill are essential ingredients for a successful fundraising event, then the Ladies Auxiliary has started a very successful tradition in Rome, GA.

To view photos of the event click here…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]