On behalf of The Counseling Center, I would like to thank the community for once again coming together at the SOMC Friends Community Center for an evening full of fun, surprises, great food, and outstanding entertainment during the 4th Annual Celebrity Dinner and Auction.



Ed Hughes, President of The Counseling Center, commented after the event “that this year’s event was exciting, well-organized, and inspiring. I was left with a feeling of great pride in the community’s response to the great need we have in the area of creating funding for drug abuse prevention services and I look forward to seeing where their creativity and energy takes us next year”.

Over 340 pre-registered guests attended. There were 19 celebrity chefs including WSAZ’s Randy Yohe, Dr. Terry and Jennifer Johnson, Liz Blevins and Dr. Mary Oling-Sisay, Jesse and Amanda Johnson, Chip and Ginger Maillet, Kim and Greg Bauer, Jim and Rebecca Yount, Asa and Ann Jewett, Dr. Debbie Scurlock and Dr. John Turjoman, and Judge Steve and Leasa Mowery. Each Celebrity Chef team so graciously donated their time and their resources to bring their “specialty” gourmet selections to share with the guests.

Over 35 businesses from in town and beyond made donations for the silent auction items. Several individuals and corporations were Table Sponsors this year and local businesses and individuals donated food.

We are very thankful for our great volunteers that include: the dinner planning committee, agency events committee, TCC administration and staff, Stepping Stone House, Marsh House, Second Chance Center, Portsmouth Area Ladies (PALS), Notre Dame Key Club and the SOMC Friends Center for ensuring a success. It does require a village.



Dr. Michael Raies as Fr. Guido Sarducci, a blast from the Saturday Night Live past, brought humor to the stage with his monologue. Dr. Stan Workman, representing SOLO (Southern Ohio Light Opera), made the Friends Center really come alive with his magnificent tenor operatic voice sharing Italian favorites as a soloist and ending with a sing-a-long. And John Craig, Accordion, provided music through dinner that took the group on a “tour of Italy”. Steve Hayes, WNXT radio personality, kept the evening going as EMCEE for the event. The hits just kept on coming.

This annual event benefits the Summer Outreach Camp and Clarence Parker, Director of Prevention and Outreach at The Counseling Center commented, “I felt that this year's Celebrity Dinner was the best we have had so far. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the Italian theme as well as the music and entertainment and the dinner has become an event that many in our community have started to look forward to each year.”

There is lots of excitement still in the air. We appreciate the time to share The Counseling Center with the community and plans are underway for next year’s event. Mark your calendars for March 14, 2013. More details will be forthcoming.