Saturday night fundraiser considered a big success

SALUDA — At least 250 people turned out to help support a fundraiser Saturday for the victims of the Warrior Mountain mudslides.

Saluda Historic Depot and Museum Board Chair Judy Ward said the event was not only a success, but was also a lot of fun.

“We had planned the event [to support] the depot,” Ward said. “We decided to change it for the storm victims instead.”

The fundraiser, held at the Saluda Party and Event Center Saturday night, included a dinner, a silent auction, the Saluda’s Got Talent Show and a ‘60s dance. Ward said Party and Event Center owners Bob and Linda Whitaker donated the venue for the cause, and the Super ‘60s Band gave a discount to help out.

“We had 10 acts in the talent show,” Ward said. “We had three singers, bands, a tap dancer and a dog.”

The dog, Coco, and her owner, Irmy Deeg, won the talent show, taking home two blue ribbons for their act. Local merchants donated items such as designer bags, Japanese tea sets, pottery pieces, designer scarves, a large, ornate lantern, and an electric train set for the silent auction.

All proceeds from the fundraiser go into an account set up by the North Carolina Baptist Men for the Polk County storm victims, Ward said.