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(A gallery of photos follows the story below. Photos submitted by Mona M. Sumblin.)

By Mona M. Sumblin
Contributing Writer

Theresa Hatch’s desire to bring an elegant, entertaining and fun event to the Franklin community was fulfilled once again as she hosted the third annual Red & Black Valentine Gala at Camp Community College’s Regional Workforce Development Center on Saturday, Feb. 15.

This event has become very popular, as it sold out for the second time, with quite a few new faces in attendance. 

Decked out in red and black attire and the newly added colors of pink and white, the guests enjoyed a romantic, entertaining and fun-filled evening. 

The event commenced with Minister Lestine Barns welcoming everyone to the affair, followed by Apostle Patricia Brown blessing the gourmet meal of baked chicken, salmon bites with shrimp and rice, brisket, baked sweet potatoes, roasted potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, garden salad, cornbread, sweet iced tea, lemonade and water.

As with last year’s event, the guests were treated to live entertainment from the Culture Jazz Combo Band, celebrity comedian Cletus Kassidy, of Portsmouth, and DJ Pierre Taylor. 

Sheena Graham served as the mistress of ceremony for the fashion show, which included models Theresa and Charles Hatch, Ebonie Hicks, Gwendolyn Joyner, Rosa Lawrence, Lonell Lashley and Tasha Wiggins. Sheena also engaged the audience in line dancing throughout the evening.

Vendors on hand included You See Me Now Photography, Da Levora Collection, and Just Because (Portia Everett). The 360 Photo Booth and Mirror Mirror on the Wall Pictures were added attractions that the guests enjoyed immensely. Raffle giveaways were also a hit and a staple of Hatch’s annual event.

Again, the outpouring of participants at this year’s event evidenced the fact that this type of affair is greatly desired in this community. Guests’ comments were all positive, saying they really enjoyed the gala and hope that Mrs. Hatch will continue to make it an annual event in Franklin.