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Lighthouse gala shines with red, white, blue
The Stars and Stripes shone brightly for the Fifth Annual Lighthouse Gala. On Saturday, guests from El Dorado Springs, Stockton, Nevada and beyond gathered at the First Baptist Church's Family Life Center in El Dorado Springs to "Salute the Arts."
Guests wore their favorite red, white and blue and filled the patriotically themed room with tables decorated by Peggy Kenny's Event Planning from Stockton that were accented by floral centerpiece creations by Allison's Floral of El Dorado Springs.
Master of ceremonies for the fourth year, KY3 Sports Director Ned Reynolds was joined this year by El Dorado Springs community leader Shannon Mays. The pair finessed the audience throughout the evening with an endearing combination of wit and charm.
Guests were entertained with patriotic selections performed by the El Dorado Springs Show Choir under the direction of Mr. Ron Alumbaugh.
The program was opened by the Nevada High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard under the direction of Master Sgt. Pete Quinlan. The audience stood as cadets presented the colors, which was followed by the Show Choir singing the National Anthem. Special guests headlining the program were Sen. Mike Parson, Rep. Warren Love, Rep. Sue Entlicher and former Representative Barney Fisher.
Following a meal of parmesan chicken or maple glazed salmon prepared by Maggie Mae's Restaurant in Miller, Mo., and served by El Dorado Springs middle and high school students, guests were entertained by the Show Choir's moving rendition of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" while theater student Sophia Marsh's recital of the Gettysburg Address showcased some of her stage talents.
That was followed by an precision rifle drill by JROTC Cadet Major Jason Yarber, which led up to the evening's main event and the mystery guest of honor.
With suspense growing throughout the evening, guests anxiously anticipated the mystery guest's appearance. Reynolds and Mays held the audience's attention by questioning Executive Director Lynne Hedrick as to the identity of the guest of honor. The spotlight moved to the entrance where two men in black suits and ear pieces appeared in the door. As one of the Secret Service agents secured the perimeter, the other approached Reynolds who asked that he provide credentials. Reynolds asked Parson to verify the validity of credentials since he has a background in law enforcement as Polk County sheriff.
Stunned, Reynolds announced the honor of introducing the 43rd President of the United States of America. "Hail to the Chief"played as someone who looked very much like George W. Bush took the stage and hilariously entertained the crowd for 20 minutes.
Lighthouse graduate Chelsea Johnston followed with a beautiful version of Phillip Phillips song, "Home" while photos of scenes of El Dorado Springs and the neighboring communities, as well as photos of Lighthouse Children's Theatre's honored guests with their families, were projected on screen.
Reynolds then introduced Nevada resident and actor Brent Mendenhall who has performed as a George W. Bush impersonator since the 2000 presidential election.
Hedrick said The Lighthouse Children's Theatre Board of Directors extends a great amount of appreciation to all of its Angels partnering with the Lighthouse in 2013 as well as each person and business who helped with another successful Gala.
LCT is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to offering opportunities in the arts to children ages 3-17.