The Partnership for Children: Soiree, A Night in Paris

Hundreds gathered in the elegantly Parisian themed ballroom inside the Embassy Suites Saturday night to benefit the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County.

The first annual benefit treated sponsors and guests to an evening which included a five-course meal, a gala auction - complete prizes for a three day trip to Paris, a strand of pearls from Rhudy's Jewelry, golf packages, stained glass art, restaurant and date night packages and many more prizes.

Music was provided by 5-Star Entertainment, but the main entertainment was the dueling piano showdown. Guests made song requests for $5 trying to stump the two 'piano men' playing the baby grands atop the stage. From country favorites, college fight songs (in NC State's favor), to old 80s tunes, the crowd sang and clapped along with the performers.

Patrons in semi-formal attire spun around the dance floor and sipped on French Martini's while listening to remarks from the President Eva Hansen, and Board Members and Event Co-Chairs, Kim Nagowski and Donna Mansfield.

Their mission: To build partnerships with families and the community so that all children have the opportunity to succeed in school and be prepared to contribute to our social and economic future - and that is just what they did as they raised both funding and awareness at The Soiree.