The Regional Medical Center Foundation's Feb. 28 Gala and Silent Auction has always been the organization's largest annual special event fund-raiser in terms of volunteer involvement and funds raised.

This leading status is projected to be proved once again. Pre-event numbers now exceed previous all-time highs, TRMC Foundation Executive Director Mac Burton says.

Burton said the event was crucial to help bring to light an important issue locally. Monies collected will benefit operating the H. Filmore Mabry Cancer Center, the ninth year of the 10-year event in which funds raised have helped the cancer center.

It is estimated that $300,000 will be donated to the cancer center from the proceeds of this year's event.

"This (the gala) brings money in on one of the greatest disease problems in this area," Burton said. "The amount of money is significant and greatly appreciated."

Though exact dollar numbers are not finalized, early projections show record-breaking numbers include:

n Corporate donations (up $7,500)

n Individual reservations (up $2,500) with more than 400 people signed up, compared to previous averages of 250 and the 2004 total of 365

n Auction value of about $50,000 (up almost $5,000 from previous galas)

The initial support total is $70,000, up from last year's $57,000.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, in The Cinema.

The auction will begin at 6 p.m. and run until 8 p.m. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening. The Headliners from Hilton Head will perform throughout the event.

Among the plethora of items donated, the variety is as expansive as the number.

They include a hunting expedition to Argentina; gift certificates to restaurants in Orangeburg, Columbia and Santee; golf packages; trips to Savannah and Charleston; autographed memorabilia; designer jewelry; handmade artifacts by local artists; home accent pieces and much, much more — some with priceless sentimental value.

The presenting sponsor for the gala is Zeus Industrial Products.

Charles Arden Mobley Society sponsors are Orangeburg National Bank and South Carolina Bank and Trust.

The H. Filmore Mabry Society sponsors are Cox Industries, South Carolina State University and Orangeburg-based Horger, Barnwell & Reid law firm.

Herb and Kathy Bradley and Theresa Marshall are event co-chairs.

For more information about the gala and silent auction, or to have your name added to the foundation's mailing list, call Tiffany Myers at 803-395-2645.

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