WRAL-TV Sponsors 2000 Holiday Gathering For Raleigh Seniors
| WRAL-TV joined Winn-Dixie in hosting the 43rd Annual Golden Years Holiday Celebration at the Raleigh Convention and Conference Center Complex at noon on Thursday, December 14, 2000. The luncheon included traditional holiday entertainment, part of which will air on WRAL-TV’s 30 Minutes program at 8:30am on Sunday, December 17. |
Attendees cut a rug or two after the luncheon. |
Golden Years groups from across the city attended the annual celebration. |
CBC’s retired Tobacco Radio Network Vice President Ray Wilkinson started the program with a few stories and introduced WRAL-TV anchor Debra Morgan and Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel, who emceed the event. Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw, Pastor of First Baptist Church offered the invocation. |
CBC retiree Ray Wilkinson introduced the afternoon events with a little humor. |
WRAL’s Cheif Meteorologist Greg Fishel & News Anchor Debra Morgan emceed the event. |
A WRAL legend, Paul Montgomery sang “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” |
| The program included a wide array of holiday music. National Opera Company singers Lucy Tucker Yates and David Schmidt sang a medley of Christmas favorites and Evangelist Nell Smith sang a few with a gospel flavor. WRAL’s own Paul Montgomery, “Uncle Paul,” played several holiday tunes and remembered former CBC President Fred Fletcher. Fletcher passed away last January, and Montgomery kept his spirit alive by wearing Fletcher’s traditional Golden Year garb, a red nightgown and Santa cap. Montgomery paused for a video montage of Fletcher singing “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth,” a performance that had become a staple of the Golden Years Celebration. The program concluded with some Big Band Christmas tunes performed by the Casablanca Orchestra. |
David Schmidt & Lucy Tucker Yates represented the music of the National Opera Company. |
Evangelist Nell Smith made the hall ring with holiday music. |
The Casablanca Orchestra played a few Christmas tunes with a little Big Band flavor. |
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The Golden Years Association of the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department sponsors 47 Gold Years Clubs for senior adults aged 55 and older throughout the city. Clubs meet throughout the year and enjoy activities such as hiking, bowling, workshops, trips and a myriad of other activities and special events.
Capitol Broadcasting and Winn-Dixie stores sponsor the annual event in cooperation with the Raleigh Parks & Recreation Department.
The Casablanca Orchestra saxophone section added a punch to a few Christmas carols. |
Debbie Bennett sang a few tunes with the orchestra. |
Golden Agers danced the afternoon away. |
Phil Woodruff represented Winn-Dixie at the celebration. |
Seniors enjoyed the afternoon. |
Debra Morgan found a dance partner in the crowd. |
