Night on the Nile

For 12 years, The Rec Center in Paris has held an auction to raise funds for its facilities, programs and future endeavors. The auction, according to board president Drew Griffin, is the primary fundraiser that “supports the Rec’s mission to remain local and continue offering a place for every generation of Paris residents for years to come.”

Griffin played emcee for the auction on Saturday, Feb. 22, where he announced that one of the Center’s biggest projects should be completed by this summer.

“We hope to have our pool open by the end of summer 2025,” Griffin told a packed gymnasium.

“Funds from events like tonight are essential to fund this facility as a whole and provide sustainability, allowing us to maintain improvements and projects like the pool,” Griffin said. “We are very fortunate to have the outpouring of support for the Rec Center and projects like the pool. Because of the support, we can sustain ourselves.”

The community’s support for the Center and its future plans was evident not only in the several hundred guests who celebrated a “Night on the Nile” on Saturday but also in the days and weeks of preparation leading up to the event.

Long before the gymnasium transformed into a black and gold escape with balloons, artwork and carefully decorated tables, a committee of individuals met to plan out every detail of the evening.

The same committee met with dozens of local businesses to sell tickets, gather donations and learn how the Rec can support individuals across the city.

In response to the hard work, hundreds of items were available to be auctioned off on Saturday, both in-person during the evening event and online. Highlights of the live auction included a record signed by Brett Eldredge, a private dinner for 12 from Mayor Craig Smith, performances by Elite Harmony and PCHS band members, two whole hogs, a signed Ozzie Smith jersey and multiple trips and vacations.

Guests who attended the live auction were transported across the globe by a delicious catered meal, cash bar, hand-crafted decorations made by Mayo Middle School’s art department, and Egyptian-inspired costumes worn by Rec staff members.

While the Rec Center’s staff and board are still tallying the total of guests, contributions, and its plans for the future, one thing has become abundantly clear at the close of this year’s auction.

“Every single person involved played a role in our success,” executive director Erin Hutchison said. “The number of individuals, businesses and organizations contributing towards our event continues to grow each year. This community i showing up in a huge way to make sure we are here for generations to come.”