Dec. 4. The Peninsula Community Foundation raised over $175,000 at the 2023 Denim, Diamonds and Dancing Gala held at The Peninsula Club in November, bringing total donations to $376,000.

“We are so grateful to our community, particularly to those who gave from their hearts at the gala, to bring us past our goal,” said George Searle, PCF president. “We now have the opportunity to add to the 19 charities we have supported in our area this year, as at least seven non-profits have submitted new grant requests.”

Pam Varghese, gala chair, credited all the board members who worked hard to collect hundreds of bottles of bourbon and tequila for the Silent Auction; the Peninsula Tennis Ladies who contributed bottles of wine for the Ring Toss: and the Brightside Band, who donated their talents.

“It really was a large team effort with many volunteers contributing so that all the money we raised will go directly to the many non-profits we support in the Lake Norman area,” she added.

Photos from the event as well as local charities are at YourPCF.org.

Caroline Stevens, communications chair, said plans are already underway for next year’s gala.