More than 200 people enjoyed a night of dining, dancing, auctions, and games at this year's Red Cross Celebrity Dinner and Game Night, held Saturday at the Belk Center of St. Andrews College in Laurinburg. According to Carol Ann Lentz, executive director of the Scotland County chapter, the event was a great success.

"The first word that comes to mind to describe this year's event is 'wow'," Lentz said. "Thanks to our in-kind donors, our sponsors, our committee, our volunteers, and our guests, this year's dinner raised more than $19,000 for the Scotland and Robeson County Chapters of the American Red Cross. That is a 13 percent increase from last year's event."

Billed as an evening of "games, food, auctions and fun", the 14th annual event featured a buffet dinner attended by some 27 "celebrity" waitstaff, i.e. Red Cross volunteers who adopted a theme for themselves and their tables. Forrest Gump, Cleopatra, vampires from Twilight: New Moon and the Wizard of Oz were among the attendants who collected almost $1,700 in tips from their tables. All proceeds from the event go directly to the local Red Cross chapter.

Lentz extended particular thanks to Campbell Soup for their contributions.

"Not only was Campbell Soup a leading sponsor, but they also gave a $5000 tip to the Twilight: New Moon waitstaff," Lentz said. "We thank them in a big way for their support."

Lentz also extended a "big thank you" to Chartwells for catering the event.

"The food was absolutely delicious, and everyone I spoke with enjoyed the dinner immensely," Lentz said. "I would encourage anyone to consider them for their next event."

Dinner was followed by a variety of games, featuring a Red Cross punch board with prizes that included Carolina Panthers tickets a camcorder, and others. Games based on television shows including Family Feud and Wheel Of Fortune were played with "fun money", which could be converted to vouchers for the event's live auction. A silent auction was held until the live auction began; prizes included beach and mountain home rentals, a diamond ring, and more.

Terry Gallman of Laurinburg attended the event with husband Gary and friends John and Donna Young and Sharon and Jerry Mullis.

"We had a lot of fun," Gallman said. "I think everyone really enjoyed the food, the games, and the auctions. We had a nice time."

The Gallmans played Family Feud and "two or three other games" that were offered.

"It was great having such as variety of things to do," she said. "It was a good event to attend with a group of friends."

Some 17 business partners sponsored the celebrity dinner, including top contributors Domino Pizza and Murphy Brown LLC.

Awards were presented to all business partners and to selected waitstaff for their celebrity impersonations: Forrest Gump and Jenny were recognized as the funniest; the Wizard of Oz was judged best lookalike; King Tut and Cleopatra won for best newcomer; Cowgirl Magic for best parade performance; Twilight: New Moon for best in show; and The Leprecauns for most original.

Dawn Strickland and Eric Byrd were the event co-chairs. Lawrence T. Locklear was the master of ceremonies.

The public supported the event by sponsoring at the Vanna White level for $100, the Bob Eubanks level at $500, the Richard Dawson level at $1,000, or at the Regis Philbin level for $2,000. They also had the option of donating items to be raffled at the dinner, to purchase tickets at $40 each, or to make a monetary contribution.