Denim and cowboy boots crammed the Cancun Cantina, as about 750 folks turned out for Harbor Daze Country Style -- a hoedown that raised more than $52,000 for Harbor Hospital's Women's Center. Hardcore dancers hit the floor as soon as the DJ started a new song, quickly forming lines and stepping in unison. On the tented deck, cowfolk wannabes also lined up -- at the raw bar and buffet table, or to take their turn on the karaoke stage.
Things really heated up during the live auction, as surgeon Dr. Tony Raneri won an all-expense-paid trip and tickets for two to the NCAA "Final Four" basketball tournament, with his bid of $4,800.
"He got a deal!" exclaimed party emcee Marty Bass.
"It's my life's dream," declared the doc," I'd rather go to this than the Super Bowl!"
Another high point came when country music up-and-comer Jessica Andrews hit the stage. Once again, the dance floor filled -- this time with fans sitting down to listen to the music.
Spotted in the bunch of buckaroos; Dr. Tamara Kile and Rod Clark, event chairs; Judith Castro, Mitzi Glick, Brian Gray, Marie Henderson and Marion Kerns, event committee members; Rick Obrecht, Harbor Hospital board member; L. Barney Johnson, Harbor Hospital president; John McDaniel, MedStar Health CEO; Tony Toskov, Cancun Cantina owner; Jim Dolan, Clear Channel Communications vice president and market manager; Scott Lindy, WPOC- FM Radio program director; Dr. Sam Smith, Harbor Hospital Ob-Gyn and Infertility director; Jim Pappas, Clear Image Inc. president / owner; Dr. Sylvia Medley, Harbor Hospital emergency room attending physician; Brianna Davis, Sylvan Learning Systems logistics coordinator; Clarence Cornish, Hebbville Elementary School teacher; Jodi Hoskins, Allstate Insurance sales report associate; John Denis, BGE senior system operator; Brent Johnson, ReMax Advantage realtor; and Tim Johnson, Aerotek e-business coordinator.