Close to 500 members of the community dressed up in their finest and came out in support of Salon Twist’s Change the World fundraiser Nov. 1 at Alys Beach.

Through ticket and tile sales, donations and auctions, at evening’s end, there was $100,000 for Sasha’s Home orphanage to be built in the Ukraine.

A two-carat diamond necklace donated by Lisa Peters at Destin Jewelers brought in the highest selling auction price at $5500. The next highest ticket item bought during the live auction was a Vespa motor scooter for $4,500.

The three largest donations to the party included a $10,000 check from the new Grand Park Theatre 16 in Panama City Beach. Its parent company, Southern Theatres, is based in New Orleans and owns 20 movie theatres in the South with Pier Park being its latest edition.

“This helped offset the costs of the event tremendously,” said sponsor Lisa Burwell of Cornerstone Marketing. “In addition to that, Alys Beach normally charges a $10,000 usage fee for use of the Caliza Pool venue and they waived that fee, which also was a great help going into this event.”

Other donations came from various artists. Marion Barnes created two original pieces of artwork for the event. Songwriter Jamie O'Neal donated boots she wore in a music video. Greg Barnhill and his musicians donated their musical talents for the evening.

The event was catered by Fire restaurant in Grayton.

Other highlights of the evening included synchronized swimmers and a martini bar.

Patricia “Sister” Barnes, the force behind the building of Sasha’s Home, said she was overwhelmed by the community’s support and reception.

“Everyone was so gracious, giving and wonderful. I was speechless and overcome with how wonderful it was and in awe of how kind everyone was,” she said.

Sister Barnes said the money raised will allow her foundation to begin the perpetuation part of establishing Sasha’s Home. She believes the home will be able to open in June or July of 2008.

Cornerstone Marketing recently launched the Web site for the Barnes Family Foundation, enabling the foundation to receive donations online. View it at www.barnesfamilyfoundation.org.