More than 200 Washington- Wilkes and out-of-town patrons of Wills Memorial Hospital attended the dinner and dance Valentine benefit for the Wills Memorial Hospital Foundation.

The "From the Heart" benefit was held on February 2 at the Pope Center and has been termed a tremendous success.

Proceeds from the event will be used for the renovation of the Nash Library at the hospital. The library is the only public meeting space in the hospital. It is not only used for meetings, but also as a classroom and for the "Lunch and Learn" programs conducted by health professionals for the general public.

After the social hour and seated dinner, entertainment was provided by "The Usual Suspects" of Atlanta, a dynamic 18-piece orchestra sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Dave Chesnut and Mr. and Mrs. John Horton. Craig Meyer, accomplished actor and vocalist, serenaded several ladies in the audience.

Unique Valentine themed tablescapes were created for the benefit by talented volunteers in the community. Laura Sleighter was awarded first place for "Have a Heart." Her theme in memory of her mother, artist Carol Connely, was based on the American Heart Association's "Wear a Red Dress." Her tall centerpiece encircled with votives was covered in greenery and accented with red roses and miniature handmade wire hangers holding small watercolor painted red dresses. Two silk red dresses were woven into the centerpiece. Each guest's place was marked with a bronze charger topped with a large white paper heart with a watercolor red dress on one side of the heart scripted with "Have a Heart" and "Wills Memorial Hospital Foundation, February 2, 2008," around the edge of the hem and a hand scribed request to wear a red dress in February to symbolize support for women's awareness of heart disease on the other side.

Second place went to Jerry Denard for "Valentine in Washington." Her table was centered with antique lace and a silver champagne bucket filled with greenery and pink roses dramatically accented with tall blooming stems of quince. The bucket was surrounded with crystal and silver votives and pewter bowls commemorating Washington's 200th birthday and filled with pink candy hearts. Eight Washington- Wilkes history plates and antique lace napkins marked the seating.

Ellen Penna was awarded third place with "Simple Elegance." Her table was accented with silver and white runners and scattered crystals and was centered with a tall silver candelabrum of tapers in hurricanes surrounding a fusion of longstemmed red roses and greenery.

Honorable mention went to Deb Talley and Peggy Anderson with a striking black, red, and silver color scheme accented with pearl and crystal garlands entitled "A Private Affair;" and to Pam and Newton Gunter whose festive red and white "Candy Is Dandy" theme incorporated delicious homemade treats among scattered rose petals.

Others who presented creative, unique, and beautiful tablescapes were Kathy Lindsey, Susan Drinkard, Katherine Barber, Beta Sigma Phi (Eta Omicron Chapter), Suzanne Norman, Kay Nelms, Rosemary Hopkins, Karen Stubbs, Karen Carter, Gail Boyd, Barbara Ricciuti, Terrie Smith, Carol Mc- Tier, Ed Franklin, Robert Geiger, Nobie Keener, Jane Bundy, Angie Strother, Laverne Edwards, Cathy Stackhouse, Donna Hardy, Dot Jordan, Karen Wheeler, Sharlene Zima, Margaret Norris, and Marsha Paxton.

The Wills Memorial Hospital Foundation greatly appreciates all who volunteered and attended the benefit. Those who were unable to attend are requested to "Have a Heart" and consider sending a tax deductible honorarium, memorial, or donation during the month of February to WMHF, P.O. Box 176, Washington, GA 30673.

A sincere happy Valentine's Day from the Wills Memorial Hospital Foundation to all whose invaluable efforts and contributions greatly benefit our hospital.