LEXINGTON - The Wings and Wine Fundraiser Night was held on Thursday, Aug. 23, at Mac's Creek Winery. The event is the sole source of revenue for the Blanche Senior Scholarship, which is presented to Lexington students who meet the qualifications.
Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sarah Neben said 72 tickets for the event were sold and more than $1,400 was raised for the scholarship. The Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Committee sold tickets before the event and Neben thanked them for their time and effort.
"We had better attendance this year," said Neben. "Due to our generous sponsorship donations, everything we made can go directly to the scholarship."
Neben said the Blanche Senior Scholarship was established to honor a longtime volunteer and champion for children in the community, Blanche Senior.
Lynne Haines, daughter of Blanche Senior, attended the event and told those gathered about her mother's strong support of Lexington and its youth. The scholarship was started in the early 1990s and has been awarded to a Lexington student who wishes to further their education. Neben extended thanks to Haines for attending the event and speaking about her mother and her passion for Lexington.
The scholarship can be used for enrollment at any college or university. Applicants are due before March 2019. The Business Education Committee of the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce decides which student will receive the scholarship. Their selection is announced at Lexington High School's Honors Night in May.
"Last year we had numerous well qualified students apply for the scholarship which made it hard to choose," said Neben. "We hope for the same this year."
Neben thanked Lexington Chamber of Commerce President Darin Buescher who prepared the wings for the evening. Buescher said he cooked over 90 pounds of wings for the event.
The staff from Avamere at Lexington prepared the desserts and Neben also thanked them for their time and preparation.
Formerly Three provided the entertainment. Spencer Hansen was vocalist and Chad Scharff filled in for Luke Oswald on the drums. Neben thanked them for their talents and willingness to play for the event.
Neben also thanked Mac's Creek for hosting the event. "It is a beautiful venue and their staff is always top notch," said Neben. "It's just a great setting."
Neben thanked the other sponsors for their generosity: Heldt, McKeone & Copley, Central Community College, Lexington Regional Health Center, Bob's True Value, Travis Edeal - Fontanelle Hybrid and Tara Naprstek - CPA.
"Overall I am really happy with the event," said Neben. "Everyone looked like they were having a good time, and we are already making plans for the next event for August 2019."