Pigeon Forge,TN (Top40 Charts/ Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation) Dolly Parton fetched a record-breaking $138,000 for the not-for-profit Dr. Robert F.
Thomas Foundation on Saturday night from an anonymous phone bidder.
"I haven't been on a blind date since high school"
Parton will treat her mystery date to a personal limo tour of her Nashville properties, tour bus, her favorite Nashville places, a catered dinner and breakfast as well as overnight accommodations for six guests in her high rise hideaway in downtown Nashville.
"I haven't been on a blind date since high school," Parton said upon learning the news of her mystery shopper. "I'm truly delighted beyond belief. To think someone dug that deep to help the Dr. Robert F.
Thomas Foundation just humbles me. That $138,000 is going to do so much good in Sevier County. This anonymous bidder won my heart because the foundation is so special to me."
"Dolly and her anonymous bidder made for a very memorable night at Saturday's Evening of Elegance event," said Deborah Dowling, Executive
Director of the Dr. Robert F.
Thomas Foundation. "The excitement in the room was palpable as we listened to the bids reach this record-breaking milestone, and the added element of an anonymous bidder made it all the more spectacular. Only Dolly!"
The annual event took place Aug. 11 at the Sevierville Events Center. Parton serves as the honorary chairperson of the Dr. Robert F.
Thomas Foundation which supports the medical needs of residents of Sevier County, including the county's LeConte Medical Center which opened in 2010.
Saturday's bid follows Parton's 2009 and 2010 Backwoods Barbie-Ques which raised $75,000 and $90,000, respectively. In addition, Parton raised $500,000 in proceeds from a hometown concert in 2008. Collectively, Parton's auction contributions to the Dr.
Thomas Foundation have exceeded $1 million in the past five years.
Established in 1983, the Dr.
Thomas Foundation continues the legacy of the man who came to Sevier County in 1926 to serve in the dual role of minister and family physician. Parton is one the many babies delivered by Dr. Thomas.
For more information, please contact
Laura Wallace at (865) 531-5216.
