Sabrina Taylor and Tabitha Hall of Gatlinburg, Tenn., set a new record with their $75,000 purchase of an unprecedented auction item donated by Dolly Parton to the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation's 20th

anniversary Evening of Elegance fundraiser Saturday evening (Aug. 15) at Mills Auditorium in Gatlinburg.    

               Taylor and Hall outbid fellow bidders from as far away as Scotland to claim a visit to Parton's Tennessee Mountain Home, her Sevierville residence which was immortalized in the song of the same title.  Taylor and Hall will arrive at 5 p.m. at Parton's Tennessee Mountain Home.  That evening, they will be joined by an additional 10 guests for a private tour of Parton's residence followed by a barbeque on the grounds with bluegrass entertainment, all hosted by Parton.  In addition, Taylor and Hall will spend the night in Parton's guest cottage, located next door to the Tennessee Mountain Home.  At 9 a.m. the following morning, Parton will prepare and serve a country-style breakfast to the two.   

               "We're absolutely humbled by Dolly's remarkable donation and Tabitha and Sabrina's overwhelming generosity.  These three remarkable ladies surpassed our greatest expectations for this year's event," said Amy Kingery, the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundations' Development Specialist and event organizer.  "It's even better knowing that the people of Sevier County will enjoy the benefits of their contributions to the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation through improved health care in our area." 

                The foundation's single-largest annual fundraising event, Evening of Elegance included both a silent and live auction.  Combined, the event raised more than $140,000. 

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