Dear editor,

Lobsterfest III (October 25) was a huge success…but it wasn’t easy! A capacity crowd of 200 enjoyed an evening of great dining, all-around hospitality and fun at the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence (TCFEE) annual fundraiser.

Director Dr. Joe West (UGA) once again invited the Foundation to use Blackshank Pond Pavilion to host the event.

Board Member Tom Coogle came up with the idea in 2016 of grilling fresh lobster as a special draw for this event. Tom not only special orders the fresh lobster and ribeye steaks but also oversees the cooking and serving.

Musician Stan Smith welcomed the arriving patrons and continued to perform beautifully throughout the evening. TCFEE President Claire Byrnes officially kicked off the dinner and called upon Dr. Wayne Roe to give the blessing. Thanks to Lamar Martin, Mike Bland and a talented grilling team (Joe Gray, Philip Roberts, Ryan Branch, J Michael Moore and Smitty Lamb), lobster and steak cooked to perfection were enjoyed by all.

Jodi Roberts, a 2017 Excellence-in-Teaching award winner, shared the positive impact from bringing UGA Bulldog and current New England Patriot football great Malcolm Mitchell to speak to Northside School. A grant from the TCFEE helped make the event possible.

A live auction led by the incomparable Tyron Spearman raised over $5,000. A Ponte Vedra condo vacation from Gary Simmons brought the highest bid. Ron Branch will conduct the ultimate fishing experience on Lake Henry, guaranteeing at least 100 lbs. of catch over a two-day weekend.

Thank you Table Hosts (Tommy and Diane Bargeron, Moppy and Mike Brumby, Claire and Ryan Byrnes, Sandy and Bill Bowen, Kim Cutchins and Craig Kvien, Tom and Jill Coogle, Laura and Chris Cutts, Mike and Dee Davis, Annie Dimon, Kaylar and Drew Howard, Bill and Donna Jackson, Nathan and Alice Johnson, Marianna Keesee, Paige and Stewart Keith, Jason Morris, Sharon and Solomon Nixon, Jack Perry, Penny Peters, Meredith and Ryan Rutland, Tracy and David Monk, Bret Wagenhorst and Joe and Joy West) for inviting and/or looking after your guests.

A dedicated team worked tirelessly to support and/or prepare for Lobsterfest: Judy Bland, Sissy Martin and their team from FUMC, Tifton Junior Woman’s Club, Tracy Monk, Meredith Rutland, Kim Cutchins, Craig Kvien, Jacquie Riner, Katarina Dorminy, Tammy Griffin, Margaret Kelley and many others.

Mike Brumby

TCFEE Executive Director