A Signature Night

It was payback time for the “Man.” Just one month before, it was a Girls Night Out for the Mayor’s “Tyler Power Grid” with the “Man” at the unique Montez Brothers Steak and Seafood Restaurant on Lake Tyler. One of those “powerful women,” Laura Johnston, turned the tables and invited Linda and me to be her guests, along with Mayor Bass and Billy, at the March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction of Tyler. Turns out, Laura was co-chair of this felicitous affair and had purchased a table of 10 for the event. Three of the seven ladies in our group were part of that “Tyler Power Grid” that kept the “Man” in tow a month earlier.

But, that was then, and this is now! Linda and I arrived at the opulent Cascades Country Club of Tyler a little ahead of time. Upon entering the stately rotunda, we were met with a hustle and bustle of folks dressed to-the-nines and ready for the time of their lives. Not one of us was disappointed. Under the consistent direction of the co-chairs, Laura Johnston and Elain McGowan, and leadership of March of Dimes Executive Director Abby Warnick, the details of the event went like clockwork. Our every step from the rotunda, through auction registration, and then to the awesome party hall was measured and executed with ease. Thanks to the event planners’ hard work, “a monkey could have made his way through with one eye shut.”

The Great Hall was stunning. Strings of large white globes and colorful lights provided an exciting, “high class” carnival feel. The large, rectangular bar was in the center for easy access so the crowd to get beverages of choice during the 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. cocktail hour. High-top tables were placed throughout making it simple for sampling small appetizer portions during the cocktail hour, while reviewing all of the auction items.

Chefs’ booths surrounded much of the perimeter, displaying a feast of all sorts of fare for the discretionary palate. Fifteen of Tyler’s most respected chefs served up some of their specialties. The visuals and aromas were enough to make anyone ravenous. Every offering was out-of-this-world good. We tried each and loved it all. The cuisines represented French, Asian, Mexican, Caribbean, Indian, Mediterranean, Louisianne, American, Italian, Texan and “sinfully” scrumptious desserts. Our table gorged ourselves on every delightful morsel, chattered like happy children, met some new friends and just absorbed the beautiful atmosphere.

But, that’s not all. Doc’ Deason was the master of ceremonies and did his usual first-class job during the appeal for supporting the mission and projects of the March of Dimes. It was a real eye opener. The March of Dimes I grew up with was about Polio. Today it’s about improving the health of babies, preventing birth defects and premature birth mortality. The need is great and most worthy of addressing. Taking that notion away with me from the event was more than worth the time.

At 8:15 p.m. it was live auction time and guess what? My “blood brother” Sheriff J.B. Smith was the Auctioneer. He was in rare form as he rattled off his auctioneer calls while moving the bidding right along. The “Man” is always amazed at J.B.’s skill at keeping the crowd involved, focused and in a giving mood.

Well, it was a fast night. It was 9:30 p.m. before we knew it and time for auction check out. We meandered around for a while in the last minutes cavorting with friends at our table and throughout the Hall. Slowly the crowd wobbled its way out of the party toward the rotunda and to the parking lot. The night was over, but the memories live on.

We’ll be-a-visitin’ all of the marvelous restaurants to get more of the signature chef’s culinary delights. But, for now, we were headin’ home with a satisfied mind.

So, if you’re out and about, look for us, we’ll be about town.