The featured entertainer for the “From the Heart” benefit, Debbie McLeod, is shown here with the shelter dog rescued by her son Morgan. Debbie McLeod will be the featured entertainer for the February 11 “From the Heart” Valentine benefit sponsored by the Wills Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Washington Wilkes Humane Shelter Association.

The event will honor the memory of Mary Fortson Darby, a lifetime member of the Wills Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and a strong supporter of the humane shelter. The purpose of the benefit is to raise funds for improvements and enhancements at the hospital and to complete the funding for the cat facility at the shelter, according to Debbie Bennett, coordinator.

Debbie McLeod is well-known in a variety of ways throughout the county. She was chosen as STAR teacher for Wilkes County by the 2005 STAR Student, Merritt Echols. McLeod was named Wilkes County Teacher of the Year in 2000 and has 20 years of experience in the field of education. Many of these years have been with the Gifted Program in the Wilkes County schools.

McLeod is gifted herself, in the field of entertainment as well as education. She has performed in many Washington Little Theater Co. musicals and presented other music programs in the community. In April 2005, she and Gail Duggan gave a reprise performance of “Always . . . Patsy Cline,” with McLeod in the role of Cline and Duggan as her friend, Louise Seger. She has also appeared in both “Nunsense I” and “Nunsense II” as Sister Amnesia; and had the lead in the musical, “Annie, Get Your Gun,” and other performances.

Some years ago, McLeod’s son Morgan adopted a dog from the Animal Shelter and the dog has become a beloved member of the family. Her husband is Wilkes County Veterinarian Dr. Greg McLeod who is a member of the WashingtonWilkes Humane Shelter Association Board of Directors. Her son, Matt McGee, is a rising star in the field of music and entertainment.

“From the Heart” will take place at the Washington-Wilkes Country Club from 6 to 9 p.m. Individual reservations are $50 each; benefactors will receive four reservations for a $500 contribution; and sponsors will receive six reservations for a $1,000 contribution.

Checks should be made to the Wills Memorial Hospital Foundation, but both organizations will equally share the proceeds. Reservations may be made at Tena’s Jewelry and Gifs or mailed to the Foundation at P.O. Box 176, Washington 30673.

Individual reservations, benefactor contributions, sponsorships, and donations are tax deductible.