Spirit of SRVS Entertains Crowds

More than 600 guests gathered at the Hilton Memphis to attend the 2012 Spirit of SRVS, the city’s premier auction affair, food and wine tasting. Guests enjoyed appetizers and wine from various restaurants and wineries while bidding on silent auction items throughout the evening.

The evening included a performance by SRVS’ own Merrye Kiihnl who sang along to The Final Countdown and the Company d Dancers of Memphis. Soon after the closing of the first section of silent auction items, the live auction began with auctioneers Steve Conley, radio personality for WKQK, and Terry Reeves, event coordinator at Hicks Convention Services. Bids ran high as people competitively tried to outbid one another. Once the live auction and second silent section had closed, the winners of the Culinary Awards were announced. Chef Neely Draughon of Off the Square Catering won for Best Appetizer and Chef Ernie Mellor Hog Wild won for Best in Show.

SRVS thanks honorary chairs Anne Wulff and Brian Bendersky, Autumn and David Porter, Susan Springfield and event chairs Joan and Michael Terry. SRVS thanks Southwestern Distributing, featured wineries and restaurants, Merrye Kiihnl, the Company d Dancers, musical entertainment Dr. Bill Hurd and Eddie Harrison, Steve Conley, Terry Reeves, culinary judges Karen and Todd Perrin and culinary judges Joy Bateman and Bill Anderson. SRVS also sends a special thanks to donors, volunteers and attendees of the event.

Merrye Kiihnl Featured as Spirit of SRVS Talent

As many of our Spirit of SRVS attendees know, an individual supported by SRVS performs during the Welcome Ceremony at the Spirit of SRVS. This year is no different with SRVS’ own Merrye Kiihnl taking the stage to sing.

Merrye Kiihnl has been a part of the SRVS Community Living Program at SRVS for over a decade. Merrye lives in one of the community homes with her good friend Christina. Merrye loves to watch comedies and dramas and knows the names of actors and characters in most movies. She loves to go to church with her roommate and sing on Sunday mornings. SRVS is excited to have Merrye sing at the 2012 Spirit of SRVS!

Spirit of SRVS Coming Soon

As many of you know, our biggest event of the year is coming up in August–the Spirit of SRVS. We know that most everyone who knows about SRVS knows about the big event, but let me take some time to share what this event means for the organization and the people supported by the agency.

The Spirit of SRVS began 14 years ago by SRVS Board member John Barzizza, who had a dream of a fundraiser consisting of an auction and wine tasting. He wanted a night of fun for the Memphis community that would also benefit SRVS and people with disabilities that the organization supports. Although the first year had small beginnings with less than 100 people, the Spirit of SRVS quickly grew to one of Memphis’ premier parties in town, having over 700 guests in attendance last year.

The Spirit of SRVS is the organization’s largest fundraiser during the year. Last year the event brought in over $100,000, making it possible to expand SRVS Learning Center and buy equipment needed for the people served. All of SRVS, and many in Memphis, look forward to the event each year.

The event includes wine tastings, appetizers from some of Memphis’ finest restaurants, entertainment by SRVS’ own Merrye Kiihnl and the Company d Dancers and a live and silent auction. Tickets are $75 and sold online at http://www.srvs.org, by phone or the night of the event.

We encourage our family, friends and supporters to buy tickets and attend this one of a kind, dazzling event. We also encourage you to tell your friends about the Spirit of SRVS. Come join us for food, fun and a night to remember!

Playhouse on the Square Presents Xanadu for SRVS

Each year, the Playhouse on the Square presents a benefit performance for SRVS. This year’s performance will be of the musical sensation, Xanadu, a play about following your dreams and finding love. The performance will be held Sunday, July 8.

We will throw a pre-party beginning at 1:30 p.m. that includes dancing, wine tasting, light appetizers and the presentation of the Spirit of SRVS commemorative artwork by artist Michael Maness. The show will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets are $33 in person, and $35 by phone at 901-726-4656 or online at http://www.playhouseonthesquare.org. We ask that you purchase tickets by June 25 for SRVS to receive 100% of the proceeds. The proceeds will go to SRVS and people with disabilities.

The event at Playhouse on the Square is the kick-off to the 14th Annual Spirit of SRVS on Saturday, August 25, which will be held at the Hilton Memphis. Our special guests are Honorary Chairs Autumn and David Porter, Anne Wulff and Brian Bendersky, Susan Springfield and Event Chairs Joan and Michael Terry.

You do not want to miss Xanadu! We hope to see you there!

Record-breaking year for Spirit of SRVS

For those of you who haven’t yet heard of the Spirit of SRVS, here is a recap of the exciting event.

The Spirit of SRVS is one of the largest auction affairs and wine tastings in Memphis and provided entertainment and fun for over 700 people at the Hilton Memphis on August 6. Attendees were encouraged to taste as much wine and appetizers as they wished while they walked around to bid on silent auction items. During the first hour, guests were privileged to listen to Eddie Harrison on the piano and Dr. Bill Hurd on the saxophone. Later in the evening, SRVS’ own Rickey Newman sang “My Way,” by Elvis Presley, and the Company d of Memphis performed dance routines beautifully. The crowds stopped mid-bidding to watch these talented individuals perform.

Emcee Joe Birch kept the auction rolling the entire night. After the first section closed, the live auction began. With wildly entertaining auctioneers Ron Childers and Steve Conley, many people focused their attention on the stage during the exciting auction. Ron and Steve helped auction fifteen different items that were awarded to the highest bidder. The excitement of the live auction was felt across the ballroom. With auction items won and wine to drink, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves throughout the entire evening.

This year, the 2011 Spirit of SRVS raised a net total of $122,490! SRVS could not be happier with the outcome of the event. SRVS sends out a special thanks to Honorary Co-chairs Mayor AC and Ruby Wharton and Sandra and Jack Jones, as well as event chairs Autumn and David Porter. SRVS also wants to thank all of the 2011 sponsors, wine vendors, restaurants and contributors. SRVS also sends out a special thank you to our volunteers. The Spirit of SRVS helped raise awareness and money for SRVS and people with disabilities and the new day center.