Dolly Parton Opens Her Home to the Highest Bidder

Posted by Laura Monday on 06/24/2010
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Dolly-Parton
Dolly Parton is opening her home to the winning bidder at the annual Evening of Elegance fundraiser. The fundraiser, which benefits the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, will take place on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at Mills Auditorium in Gatlinburg, Tenn. The winner will get the chance to have a Backwood Barbie-Q with Parton, as well as a home-cooked breakfast.
 
This will be the second year Parton has participated in the event. Last year's winning bid was $75,000.
 
“I never in my wildest dreams imagined anybody paying $75,000 to eat supper with me,” said Parton. “Due to the generosity of some real fine folks, we raised a lot of money for the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, which is very near and dear to my heart. So I'm offering up my Backwoods Barbie-Q II this year with hopes that we can raise a lot more money to help improve healthcare in Sevier County.”

The winner and a guest will arrive at Parton’s Tennessee Mountain Home in Sevierville in time for a barbeque with bluegrass entertainment. They will get a tour of Dolly’s home and get to spend the night in the guest cottage next door. The next morning, Parton will serve a homemade country breakfast.
 
Tabitha Hall and Sabrina Taylor, last year’s winners, sid their experience was one experience they will never forget.
 
“It was beyond incredible,” said Hall. “To see Dolly's Tennessee Mountain Home through her eyes was beyond my expectations."
 
“We pushed our plates back, sat on the lawn and swapped stories with one of the best storytellers in the world,” Taylor added.
 
The Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation’s mission is to expand the range and quality of healthcare services available in Sevier County, Tenn., and to help raise funds for a medical center which just opened earlier in the year.
 
Tickets for the fundraiser are $200 per person and may be purchased by contacting Amy Kingery, Development Specialist, at (865) 446-9628.
 
Source: The Boot