By Staff
Event set for Aug. 28
By NIKIE MAYO
News Editor
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Beaufort County Democratic Party is holding this month what it hopes will be a major fundraiser — and leaders say real estate prices have a lot to do with what they call a “mobilization effort.”
To that end, the party will host a barbecue dinner, rally and fundraiser on Aug. 28. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Washington Civic Center. Entertainment will be provided by Men ‘N A Chord, a local barbershop quartet. Tickets are $20 each and must be purchased by Aug. 14.
Democrats from across the state are on tap to attend the event. Among them will be Rep. Arthur Williams of Beaufort County, and all four lieutenant governor candidates: Dan Besse of Winston Salem, State Sen. Walter Dalton of Rutherfordton, Hampton Dellinger of Raleigh, and Pat Smathers of Concord will be available to meet and greet.
Jerry Meek, the chairman of the state’s Democratic Party, has committed to the event, and state House Speaker Joe Hackney may also be there, according to Everett. Marshall Adame of Onslow County, candidate for the U.S. Third Congressional District, will also attend.
Everett said U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield might be on hand. He’s also hopeful that Gov. Mike Easley might show.
“We certainly wouldn’t turn him (Easley) away,” said Everett’s wife, Dorothy, who’s also active in the county party. “We’d love to have him with us.”
The Everetts hope the summer event will energize the county party and infuse it with “young blood” before 2008, Surry Everett said.
The last time a similar event was held was 1998, he said.
His wife said she hopes the event will galvanize people to make a political difference at the local level.
To buy tickets or to make a donation, contact Surry Everett, 923-0671, or surryeverett@bath-nc.com.