What a sight! It was the evening of all evenings; it was the 2016 Annual SWEETHEART BANQUET. The Port O’Connor Community Center was beautifully decorated with the theme “Love Letters In The Sand”. Again, the 21st Annual Sweetheart Banquet was a Sell Out. Over 213 guest filled the Center for Dinner and Entertainment. As guest entered they were greeted with beautiful music by Danny Bourg and Tommy Williamson.
Former Pastor J.V. Helms gave the Blessing of the Food and the Event began. The platters of charcoal broiled steak with all the trimmings were served to everyone at their table by the Church Youth and 4H students. Men with their red aprons assisted the Youth. Everyone was served in less than 10 minutes.
Special Guest included former Sheriff B.B. Browning and Tiney, former Church Pastors and their wives, J.V. and Ola Helms, George and Barbara Yarbrough and Marcos and Sue Gohlke, and from Seadrift, Dennis (Poodle) and Mary Jane Wittenbert.
Doyle Adams, opened the event by recognizing all couples married 50 years or longer. About 10% of the couples raised their hands. Special recognition was given to the couple married the longest and the winner, at 65 years, Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Hileman. An award was presented to them, along with awards to the couples married the shortest time: Mr. & Mrs. John Wyatt (3 months) and Mr. & Mrs. Rob Childs (6 months).
Special Door Prizes were drawn from the “Ticket Bowl” and those receiving prizes were Joan Childs, John Wyatt, Rob Childs, Milllie Rupp, Marian Hoppe, and B.B. Browning.
The BIG AWARD of the evening was presented to Erny and Joane Mcdonough, Pastors of Port O’Connor’s Fisherman’s Chapel. Erny and Joane received a standing ovation from everyone. The Plaque presented read:
ERNY & JOANE McDONOUGH
PORT O’CONNOR CITIZENS OF THE YEAR
For Your Commitment, Initiative and Enthusiasm
Serving at Fisherman’s Chapel for over 20 years.
For your “Friday Night Youth” Program in Port
O’Connor, providing a safe place for Fun and Fellowship
For providing a Food Pantry Year Round and
Obtaining Fish for the Needy through “Poco Bueno”
Thanks Joane for your Counseling and Teaching
Thank You for your Hard Work and Enthusiasm
in Helping the entire Port O’Connor Community
May God Bless You With Much Love
Port O’Connor First Baptist Church
Everyone relaxed and listened to the music of Danny Bourg and Tommy Williamson. Leah Griffin sang a beautiful song. All the youth servers and food distributors were recognized and then everyone enjoyed singing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”. Yes, it was a very enjoyable evening and we are looking forward to our 22nd year in 2017!
See you in Church Sunday!
