Magdalen Place was packed with people who came to support the Abbeville Boys and Girls Club during its annual Celebrity Waiter Fundraiser on Wednesday.

When the four-hour event was over, a total of $40,000 was netted for the event. All the money raised that night stays in Abbeville.

“Last night’s event was another huge success. The room was filled with really good people who continue to come back each year, knowing that it is, to some degree, their call to duty, a duty to willingly and graciously help raise money for one of Vermilion Parishes best youth programs,” said Col. Kirk Frith of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office. “For me it is an absolute pleasure to serve on the Board for the Vermilion Boy’s and Girl’ Club and to be given the chance to help our children here at home. I would like to thank all of our elected officials that participate in this event, with special thanks to our D.A. Mike Harson and our Sheriff Mike Couvillon for being so deeply committed to and involved in the Boy’s and Girl’s Club. To all the businesses and people who consistently attend this event year after year, a BIG thanks to all of you, because without your continued support, we could not have this wonderful place here in Abbeville, for our youth,” said Firth.

The night included a steak dinner, which was brought to tables by area celebrities, and the night ended with an auction.

Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana Chairman of the board Jerry Prejean said the people of Vermilion Parish really understand the need to support the

underserved kids in the parish.

“They believe in giving kids a place to belong and giving them opportunities,” said Prejean.

Brian Ford, the director of the Abbeville Boys and Girls Club, was also a waiter for the event. “I thought it was a big success,” said Ford. “It was a good opportunity for the community to come together and raise money for the youth of community.”

Kiwanis members served as waiters, while the Kaplan Key Club helped with the food. Bobby and Dot Catering supplied the sides. Sheriff Mike Couvillon purchased the steaks.

For the first time ever, two representatives from the Louisiana Ice Gators Hockey Team were waiters. Handling plates and glasses were head coach Kevin Kaminski and player Josh Duplantis.

The biggest selling items of the night were donated by Melancon Jewelers in Abbeville. Richard Melancon donated four sets of diamond earrings that sold for a total of $30,000.

A four-carat total weight earring set, donated by Melancon Jewelers, sold for an astonishing $18,900.

Sheriff Couvillon was the auctioneer and the Sheriff’s Office cooking team cooked the steaks.

The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to change lives of young people by enabling them to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.