Murphy – It was a gala gone wild Saturday night, where hundreds gathered to celebrate Cherokee County’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
Perhaps it was the busy open bar, which was staffed by happy volunteers Erin Nicholson, Tiffany Clapsaddle and Chris Standish. Clapsaddle is deeply familiar with BBBS.
“Our students benefit from this program,” the principal of Murphy Middle School said while pouring a nearly constant stream of beer into empty cups. “The Bigs [older students or adults with BBBS] come down from the high school and spend time with our students one on one. It’s a great program.”
Maybe it was the fancy location at the elegantly decorated and historic Hackney Warehouse downtown. Linen-covered tables sat under a ceiling lit with thousands of fairy lights. But things went from festive to felonious in a matter of hours.
Shortly after a dinner of carved prime rib, grilled chicken and redskin mashed potatoes, catered by Herb’s brothers David and Vaughn Gibson, somebody poisoned Tim Radford’s water, causing his very dramatic “death” on stage, complete with an Ivy Funeral Home exit on a stretcher and a final ride in the part of the hearse where no one hopes to be. Cheerful partygoers called out sweet sentiments to Radford’s still body as he was wheeled from the venue.
“We love you, Tim!” cried one. “You were a great guy,” called another.
However, his exit didn’t prompt the expected somber reaction. Indeed, if anything, the volume turned up, the line at the bar lengthened and the cupcake tower tucked into the corner grew shorter and shorter. Of course, this was all part of the plan at the Murder Mystery Dinner hosted by BBBS Regional Executive Director Lelia Duncan and her clever team.
“I hope that this event raises awareness and increases community engagement,” Duncan said. “We need more Bigs!”
Like everything else at this party, Radford’s death had been planned for a long time. “I’m proud to help the BBBS,” he said after coming back to life.
One of Radford’s accused murderers, Andrews Mayor James Reid, aka Wolfman Jack, agrees. “I had a Big in my life for a whole year,” he said. “I come from a large family, and my Big singled me out. He paid attention to me and made me feel special.”
Despite Reid complaining, “Tim told me to do it,” both men were honored to help BBBS achieve their mission to “create and support one to one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.” This mission statement was repeated amongst the well-dressed, sophisticated crowd whose entrance tickets directly benefited the organization.
Harmony and Dorian Palmer were among those fully immersed in BBBS. Dorian, who serves as the recruiter and developmental specialist, was thrilled to see the turn out.
“All these people in this room, they are all excited about BBBS,” she said. “You can feel the energy.”
Tom Spencer, founder of the Cherokee County chapter of BBBS, became involved with the organization more than 20 years ago when “I volunteered as a Big.” Spencer’s “little” had a dream of becoming NBA player.
“I’ve stayed in contact with him all these years,” Spencer said. “He’s 31 now, and he did make it to the NBA.”
Spencer credits BBBS for helping him get there. “He was driven by basketball to do well in school, but he was guided and supported by the program.”
Some partygoers were not fully aware of the organization when they bought their tickets. Janell and Philip Lucksaybage bought tickets to celebrate their oldest daughter Zoie’s 19th birthday.
“We moved to Murphy a few months ago and were excited about this event. We are really into this kind of thing. We even went on a murder mystery cruise once.” Lucksaybage said, “We thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate Zoie.”
Zoie is one of seven siblings, so the Lucksaybages know a thing or two about the importance of a child receiving one-on-one attention.
Karen Seagert was honored to buy her ticket. “This is my chance to support the kids,” she said, to which her tablemate, Ray Newcomb, quipped, “Oh, that was what this is about?”
Some guests – like Christini Banick of The Paw Spa, and Diane and Jack Lange from Parson’s Pub – not only bought tickets, but also donated to the silent auction that displayed over 100 donated crafts or services for the cause. Banick, in a ribbon-accented purple dress, said she supports community life in any way that she can.
“I bought a ticket and then the committee approached me about donating a service, and I didn’t even have to think about,” she said. “Murphy has been very good to me.”
BBBS program coordinator Kathy Kent added, “This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” then echoed what others said, “We really need Bigs. It’s just a two-to-three-hour monthly commitment.”
Misty Ledford served as the informal event socialite having reserved two full tables for her neighbors in Crisp Mountain. Ledford’s daughter, Taylor, served BBBS as a Big for five years.
“We got to watch that girl grow up as a part of our family,” Ledford said. “We love her!”
Guest Patrick McNamara was also happy to attend.
“I grew up on Long Island,” he said with his New York accent, “used to be that the pubs and restaurants all had some kind of theatre going on, so this reminds me of home.”