Auxiliary dinner entertaining

BENTON — Fun, entertainment and a celebration of the past year's accomplishments were highlights of Franklin Hospital Auxiliary's scholarship dinner held Tuesday night at the Benton Civic Center.
Using a Mardi Gras thème and eating cajun food prepared by the Civic Center's catering staff, about 300 or so guests were treated to a fun-filled evening.
The 2016 scholarship recipients will be announced in May, according to Auxiliary President Mary Ellen Aiken.
Aiken said for over 60 years the auxiliary has been dedicated to Franklin County health care.
"Part of that is having fun and having fun is a healthy thing. We hope you have a good time tonight with friends," Aiken said.
Four of last year's scholarship winners — there were nine total — were in attendance Tuesday. They include: Samantha Earl, SIU-C; Jared Eastwood, RLC-SICCM; Holly Valetta, SIU-C, and Danielle Weinhoffer from the imaging department at Franklin Hospital who finished her master's from Colorado State.
Aiken also recognized auxiliary members, noting that 25 percent of the membership is composed of male members.
"The auxiliary, hospital employees and staff have a strong alliance," she said.
Aiken also recognized sponsors of the dinner. Businesses and/or organizations and individuals donating $500 or more include: State Bank of Whittington, Kimmel-Chaplain Pharmacy, Peoples National Bank, SSM Health/Good Samaritan Hospital, SCD Rea and Sons Insurance, J&S Professional Pharmacy, R&R Motorsports, Franklin Hospital administration and Franklin Hospital and "Mr. A" Gene Alexander.
Aiken recognized auxiliary member Janice Richardson as the 2015 Volunteer of the Year.
Emcee John Aiken did superb job of keeping the festivities flowing during the scholarship dinner — even participating in a Mardi Gras skit, which featured an educational piece on the history of Mardi Gras.
The highlight of the evening was a game called heads or tails, which allowed those with $5 bracelet donations to play. The purpose of the game was to raise enough funds for one more scholarship. Donations of $2,276 were raised for the game. Gordon Daily of Herrin was declared the winner and received a basket worth $275 in local restaurant gift cards. Daily, incidentally, was a member of the band that provided entertainment.
Music was provided by Bill King's Ragin' Cajun Bid Muddy Stompers.