The BHA is gearing up for another great Fall Fundraising Party. This year the party will be held at 6:30pm, October 18, 2008 at 805 Front Street in Beaufort. The large double porched home on this property was built in 1903 by Christopher Delamar Jones Sr., a local grocery store owner. He was known affectionately as “Kit” and he and his wife, Lutie, raised eight children in this home. Two of the children were even born in the home. The many relatives in the Jones family gathered for holidays and reunions every year until they sold the property to James Taylor in 1992.
Mr. Taylor spent many years doing major restorations to this historic property. He also opened the home several times for events to support the Beaufort Historical Association when he first bought the house. It’s been exactly ten years since the last BHA party in this home. Now thanks to current owners, Doug and Carolyn Brady, the home will be open again for one of our largest fundraisers of the year.
Doug, currently the President of the BHA, and his wife Carolyn are very involved in the community and are strong supporters of the BHA as well as numerous other deserving organizations. The Brady’s have not only agreed to open the doors of their 100 year old home for this party, but they will also showcase the artwork of Eric McRay. McRay, a North Carolina artist, will display a number of coastal art pieces along with a few pieces from his jazz, coffee, and commercial collections.
McRay was juried into Raleigh’s prestigious Artspace in 1998 and his work has been featured in a number of publications ranging from local newspapers to Southern Living Magazine. He was named Metro Magazine’s 2008 Bravo Award winner as the top local artist in the “Standing Ovation” category. McRay’s work will be the featured attraction at the Fall Party on October 18th. Sponsors will have the opportunity to view and purchase McRay’s work in advance at the Sponsor’s opening reception on October 16th at the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery at the Historic Site. Click here to view Eric McRay's coastal artwork.
Without a dedicated group of volunteers there would be no Fall Party. This year’s hardworking committee consists of: Chair, Ann Sloan and members, Carolyn Brady, Sandy Craft, Ashley Dozier, Sallie Ellinwood, Penn Flournoy, Roddy Flow, Polly Hagle, Jeanette Holland, Joanie King, Pam Phillips, Joan Pulley, Sue Robbins, Ashley Sellars, Nancy Smith and Lucia Stanley.
Tickets for this year's gala party are $75 per person. RSVPs are required by October 14, 2008. For information on this year’s Fall Fundraising Party, or to purchase tickets to RSVP, call (252) 728-5225.