On Dec. 9, K&H Resource Center stepped into the holiday season with their inaugural fundraiser, the Adult Sneaker Ball. The Adult Sneaker Ball was organized by Kathleen Gibson, Director of K&H
Resources. “I wanted to make it something really, really nice … I wanted it to be elegant.”
Gibson has a reputation for organizing fun, well-attended events and she outdid herself this time. The Adult Sneaker Ball was an overwhelming success. Between the catered buffet to the 360-photo booth and dancing to DJ Soldier Boy, guests at the ball had a “night to remember.” Although the ball was open to all ages, Gibson has several senior groups she meets with at the resource center, and she was eager to give those residents an evening of entertainment.
Gibson stated, “It was just a wonderful thing. And I wanted people to move, fellowship, and laugh, and dance!”
Over 200 guests were in attendance at the ball, including many businesses and organizations looking to give Gibson and K&H Resource Center a helping hand. The Oaks of Orangeburg, an assisted and senior living facility, was one of the many sponsors of the evening. The facility invited and transported many of their residents to the ball as well.
During the ball, the festivities were stopped briefly to honor Dr. Ronnie Rhodes of South Carolina State University and the AKA Sorority. Dr. Rhodes is head of the 1890 Research and Extension Program. He provided a nutrition expert from his staff, Dr. Fulton, to teach a class on Tuesdays at the resource center. The program has been ongoing for several months with great attendance and is an “overwhelming success.” Dr. Rhodes was presented with a proclamation for his service by Clarendon County Council Member Dwight Stewart.
When Gibson first established K&H Resource Center, the AKA Sorority immediately jumped in and asked what she needed to make the center a success. Gibson mentioned a storage unit and the ladies from AKA paid for and delivered a storage shed to the center.
Gibson was thrilled. “I am able to take in slightly used clothing and [household goods] so when people lose everything, we can help them replenish their homes.”
Gibson presented the sorority with a plaque, thanking them for their contributions. Gibson went on to say that AKA ‘always keeps K&H in mind,” including donating the start- up money for the Sneaker Ball and sponsoring two tables at the event.
Gibson is already making full use of the proceeds from the Sneaker Ball and giving right back to the residents and seniors that utilize the resource center. Gibson has since helped host a senior holiday luncheon at Liberty Hill AME Church and an afternoon out, to include viewing “The Color Purple” at the Beacon Theater, followed by dinner and Christmas lights.
If you’d like to know more about the programs and services provided by K&H Resource Center, you can reach Gibson and her team at 803-485-2043. They are located at 1154 4th Street in Summerton.
