The fourth annual Upscale Hoedown fundraiser to benefit Smart Start of Davie was held Jan. 31 at WinMock Barn.   The event raised funds for programs to support early education in Davie County including Imagination Library, Reach Out and Read, Teen parenting program at DHS, Parent’s as Teachers home visiting program and others.   “I am thankful to our sponsors and humbled by the support from our community,” says Gena Taylor, executive director.  “We are grateful for our volunteers before and during the event.  We could not have pulled off such a successful fundraiser without the efforts of the amazing staff at SSDC and our sponsors. Thanks to our loyal returning guests and to newcomers.” The event was sold out with more than 250 in attendance. “With budget cuts from the state, it is imperative for us to raise private funds to keep all of the services and programs supporting early education in Davie County, and all funds raised will remain right here in Davie,” Taylor said. The event included three silent auction groups and a live auction.  The guests also enjoyed a sit-down dinner served by student volunteers from Davie County High School and the DHS National Honor Society.  Michael Parker was planning consultant and master of ceremonies.   New games this year included Needle in Haystack and the Dessert Dash. Guests loved bidding on desserts from “Pudding Patch,” where the highest bidding tables got to pick from a table of assorted sweets  donated by Davie County’s best cooks.  Mason jars filled with “hay” hid gift cards from local sponsors. Every jar was a winner.  Another highlight of the evening was the Outlaw Outpost, where Smart Start board member, Dub Potts, guarded a 58-inch Samsung Smart TV. Guests purchased necklaces with keys and they got a chance to see if their key was the lucky one to fit the lock.   Dr. Joel Edwards spoke to the guests about the literacy programs offered by Smart Start. He focused on the Imagination Library program funded by Smart Start which provides books to more than 750 Davie County children each month to help build literacy and help to prepare these children for kindergarten.   “Words cannot express my gratitude to the sponsors and supporters for this year’s Upscale Hoedown. Every year of the Hoedown has been a learning year for us. Our community’s continued support to ensure that all of Davie County’s children, from birth to 5, receive services to assist in school readiness always reaffirms my belief that the people of Davie County love their children.  I sincerely thank you for your giving hearts and your dedication to our little ones,” said Cammie Webb, Hoedown chair. Allison Dahl donated her time and talent to decorate the venue.  The barn was covered in fresh white flowers with a flair for the country western theme. Beth Tilley Green captured the event in photos.  Visit the website for more pictures and listing of sponsors, www.daviesmartstart.org.   The core group of  volunteers included Renna Welborn, Brandy Koontz-Stockert, Thomas Johnson, Todd Freeman, Eleanor Fuller, Casey Bomar, Dub Potts, Gladys Scott, Bob Bromley, Larry Bridgewater, Daphne Frye, Kim Harris, Cindy Hendricks, Anne Holland, Donna Thompson, Heather Nardone, Natalie Jobes, Susan Domanski, Heather Tate, Barbara Basham, Ryanne Wallace, Roxanne McDaniel, Cindy Green and many others.   Webb has helped Smart Start with this event since its inception in 2011. “Without the dedication of these people, and our board members, the event would not have been such a big success,” said Anna Jenkins, board chair. “Big thanks to everyone who attended and participated in our Upscale Hoedown. It was a huge success. Our committee did an outstanding job, Mr. Parker was a great addition, and we were able to raise an incredible amount of money to fund some very important programs for Smart Start of Davie County.”programs for Smart Start of Davie.