It was a “roaring” good time Saturday night at the Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball as the annual Citizen of the Year Award was given to Mark Carithers.
Olivia Fortenberry with JA spoke of Carithers' unending dedication of volunteering and serving the community through various ways, including with the city, Experience Columbia LLC, Columbia Primary School and much more.
Carithers, who owns and operates a Main Street tattoo shop, said it was nice for them to notice the work he has been doing.
“I was not expecting it, just doing what I can to help out the community. I appreciate the mayor and the board for allowing me to volunteer with the city,” he said.
The ball, which celebrated the Roaring '20s with the "Great Gatsby" theme, was held at the new National Guard Armory on U.S. 98. Members of the auxiliary prepared hors d’oeuvres that were enjoyed throughout the evening.
The band "Hillcrest" from Hattiesburg returned this year to provide the music. The band played an assortment of music that kept people dancing all evening long.
JA’s Kayla Thomas said more than 100 tickets were sold and that this event was even better than last year. The total amount raised was not available as of press-time.
In addition to the ball, money was raised through the silent auction, live auction, split the pot and wine and liquor raffle. Items in the silent auctions included signed sports memorabilia from local professional athletes, including a football signed by Brett Favre. Other items included paintings, gift certificates, a fire pit and many other items. As the silent auction was coming to an end, the area with the items was packed with people making last-minute bids.
In the main area was a live auction where a signed Saints football, two halves of beef and a weekend get-a-way on Dauphin Island were the prizes fought for.
The Charity Ball is an annual event held to raise funds for the various children’s projects that the Junior Auxiliary does throughout the year.
