Jeanne Robertson, a nationally acclaimed humorist and a member of the board of trustees at Elon University, is partnering with the Times-News in Burlington for a Feb. 23 evening fundraiser to benefit relief efforts in Haiti. Tickets for the event at Williams High School are now on sale for $20. All proceeds will be given to the American Red Cross and New Directions International.
For ticket information or questions about the event, call (336) 506-3071. The Alamance-Burlington School System is donating the use of the school.
“An Evening of Fun for a Serious Cause: Haiti Relief”
When: Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Where: Williams High School Auditorium (1307 S. Church St. in Burlington)
Time: 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:15)
Miss North Carolina Katherine Southard, a 2007 Elon graduate, will also be in attendance and on hand to meet people, sign autographs and give remarks.
Robertson has been recognized by her peers with every top designation and honor in her profession including the Certified Speaking Professional designation by the National Speakers Association in 1980 and induction into the Speaker Hall of Fame in 1981.
She served as NSA president in 1985, and in 1989 became the first woman to receive the Cavett Award, the organization’s highest honor. Toastmasters International named Robertson the recipient of its 1998 Golden Gavel Award, given annually to one individual for accomplishments in leadership and communications. The North Carolina Press Association named Robertson its 2001 North Carolinian of the Year for “her popularity on the speaking circuit, her award-winning ways and her representation of North Carolina.”
A former Miss North Carolina and Miss Congeniality in the Miss America pageant, Robertson is a 1967 graduate of Auburn University, and the author of three books on humor. She has produced five DVDs in the past nine years and can be heard daily on XM Radio’s Family Comedy Channel.
Robertson and her husband, Jerry, are active members of the Phoenix Club, supporting Elon Athletics, and made major gifts to fund construction of Dr. Alan and Norma White Field at the new Belk Track complex, construction of the Dr. Alan White Bell Tower, and to fund several athletics scholarships. The Robertsons’ son, Bailey “Beaver” Bowline, is a 1989 Elon graduate.