BY CLIFF SMELLEY
A lot of people received nice prizes at the annual Altrusa of Starke Gala, but only one won the best prize of all — Dorene Davis, who was announced as the $2,500 grand-prize winner at the Oct. 23 event at Starke’s Gov. Charley E. Johns Conference Center.
Everyone who bought a ticket to the gala had their name put into a bowl for a reverse drawing, where each name was selected until only one remained for the grand prize.
The drawing consisted of 149 names, with 63 receiving prizes.
Each of the final five remaining in the drawing received a prize. Zack Smith won a Yeti cooler donated by Montford Body Shop, Eugene Blye won a Dooney and Bourke handbag and wallet donated by Teal Tile and Carpet and Katelyn Gallaher won an iPad donated by Tatum Brothers Lumber.
That left two. Kim Roberts’ name was drawn to win a $500 Visa gift card donated by DLP Bank, resulting in Davis winning the $2,500.
The gala began with a social hour, followed by dinner, which was provided by Blue Water Bay.
Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith served as emcee, taking the place of former Bradford County Supervisor of Elections Terry Vaughan, who used to fill the role every year.
“I’m no Terry Vaughan,” Smith said. “I’m a little younger and little better looking.”
Vaughan was known for his groan-inducing jokes. Smith chose to stick to reading the names that were drawn by Altrusa President Rachel Rhoden, though he did make a few cracks here and there. For example, when his wife’s name was drawn as someone who didn’t win a prize, he told her, “Well, look. You get to go home with me. Luckiest woman in Bradford County.”
Two gifts were donated anonymously. First, a champagne basket, which was won by Leslie Crosby. When the anonymous donor came up again for a gourmet basket, Smith quipped, “Is this in case (the winner) gets sick or something?” The gourmet basket was won by Kennedy Elder.
When Chris Page was selected as the winner of an earrings-and-bracelet set, which was donated by Brandi Noegel, Smith said, “He’s got to model these for me.”
After Shelly Bowen was announced as the winner of Lampe Berger Fragrance donated by Phyllis Rosier, Smith said, “I don’t know what it smells like, but it sounds expensive.”
Smith also gave shoutouts to some of the prize donors, such as DLP Bank, which began as Community State Bank in 1957. It became DLP Bank in December 2023, with Harry Gunsallas serving as the current president. Smith recognized employees Chris Page, Carolyn Reddish and Tammy Woodard for providing “the personal service we’ve come to enjoy and expect.”
Before Amy Hoglund was announced as the winner of a $100 Sonny’s gift card donated by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, Smith talked of how the funeral home had been in business for more than 100 years. The current owner, Connor Moloney, who attended the gala, represents the fourth generation of his family to work in the funeral-home business.
Smith cracked that Moloney was in a good business — one in which he could “bury” his mistakes. The sheriff said if he makes a mistake, it appears on the front page of the Bradford County Telegraph.
In all seriousness, Smith then told Moloney, “I want to welcome your family to our community. Thank you for coming out and supporting Altrusa. It really means a lot. I’m wishing you all the best.”
Roberts Insurance donated multiple prizes: a fall floral arrangement, a set of windchimes, and a set consisting of a handcrafted pitcher, bowl and trays.
“For 63 years, it has been doing business here in Starke,” Smith said of the insurance company. “It started with George Roberts — who used to be a county commissioner for many years — in 1961 and has continued through the years with its current owner — his son, Scott Roberts.”
Smith mentioned Roberts employees Sandra Luke and Lori Thompson, saying, ‘You all are the ones who keep the shop running.”
Tatum Brothers Lumber Company got its start in Mississippi in 1930. Tom Tatum Sr. moved the business to Lawtey in 1952, with brothers Charles and Tom Tatum Jr. partnering in 1963, resulting in the name the company goes by today.
“For more than 73 years, the Tatums have influenced and made a difference in Bradford and surrounding counties,” Smith said. “For that, we say thank you.”
Smith talked about WEAG 106.3-FM, which donated a dart board that was won by Lucy Montford. The station got its start in 1957 as WRGR. John Sanders bought it in 1964, changing the call letters to WPXE. One year after Ben Dickerson bought the station in 1984, the call letters were changed to WEAG. General Manager Chuck Kramer, his wife, Mary, and his daughter Lyn Veliz bought the station in 2019.
The station is currently waiting for the Federal Communications Commission to approve another sale (to Florida Broadcast Media Group Inc.) as Kramer plans to retire. He’s been the WEAG morning personality since 1991.
“Thank you for the difference you’ve made in our community,” Smith said.
A final shout-out was given by Smith to Winn-Dixie, which donated a $100 gift card to Winn-Dixie that was won by Tiffany Dougherty. The Winn-Dixie chain celebrates 100 years this year. Regarding the Starke store specifically, Manager Tommy Jackson has worked with Winn-Dixie for more than 40 years. Smith said Jackson is a big supporter of his community.
“There have been certain times — not just holidays — I’ve gone around that store and picked out food for needy families,” Smith said. “Thank you to (Jackson) for what he’s done at Winn-Dixie.”
The annual gala is Altrusa of Starke’s major fundraiser, helping support the club’s scholarships and the various projects it participates in to make a positive impact.
“Altrusa of Starke is improving our community through leadership, partnership, service and literacy,” Smith said.
Altrusa of Starke’s 2025-26 board of directors consists of President Rachel Rhoden, President-Elect Dimple Overstreet, First Vice President Shelly Bowen, Second Vice President Lucy Montford, Corresponding Secretary Mary Kramer, Club Treasurer Amanda Seyfang, Past President Sarah Long and directors Sandra Luke, Teresa Phillips and Julee Tinsler.
The 2025-26 Foundation Board is President Vicki Teal, Vice President/Secretary Amanda Seyfang, Treasurer Kim Hamilton, Club President Rachel Rhoden, Immediate Past President Sara Long and Director Carolyn Reddish.
