Flutter 2019 spreads its wings to Jemison

Published 4:21 pm Thursday, January 24, 2019

Flutter 2019 is right around the corner, and new details have come out about some of the items that will be featured at this year’s event on Feb. 7.

The proceeds raised from Flutter go toward the Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center’s budget.

This year’s installment will be held at the Jemison Municipal Complex, which is a change in venue after spending recent years at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center.

“We serve the entire county, so we really do want to move the event from time to time to the different parts in the county,” executive director Jana Zuelzke said.

One of the big-ticket items will include a week’s stay in a two-bedroom beach condo in Destin, Florida.

“It is our signature event, and because of their [community’s] compassion we can put our services into action and help kids heal and restore after something as bad as abuse,” Zuelzke said. “We’re very humbled that the community has loved this organization and what we do here.”

The entertainment will be Clique, who is a musician from Birmingham that plays a good mix of well-known songs.

“He’ll be playing ‘90s music to Chris Stapleton,” Zuelzke said.

Jemison culinary students will cater the event.

“They always do a wonderful job,” Zuelzke said. “One of the things that we hear people bragging about our event each year is how professional the students are and how good the food is.”

There will be a farmhouse table built by the Chilton County High School Ag department.

A variety of art and jewelry from various local businesses will also be on display to bid on, while Bless Your Sweets will provide a cookie bouquet.

The timing of Flutter 2019 is just one week before Valentine’s Day, which Zuelzke encourages for those attending the event to keep in mind.

Sun Built Turf Farms will donate sod as part of the live auction portion. It was a popular item to bid on last year.

“What’s really great about our event is that we have such an array of items,” Zuelzke said. “There’s really something for everybody.”

Auction items and donations will be accepted up to Feb. 1, but sponsorships can be accepted until the day of the event. Items can be dropped off at the office on Jan. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. and Feb. 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

According to Zuelzke, if those time frames do not work for someone, they can call the office at (205) 755-4205 and another drop-off time can be arranged.

It is the sixth year that Flutter has been taking place in its current adaptation with a silent auction followed by a live auction.

“It’s not your typical fundraiser,” events and development coordinator Brittani Ellison said. “It’s something unique for Chilton County.”

One of the main reasons for the continued growth and success in recent years is the willingness of local businesses to donate items and be a part of the event.

“What helps draw people in is when they have a [local] connection to it,” Ellison said.

Sports memorabilia and electronics are also common auction items that will once again be available.

Hidden Meadow Vineyard in Jemison will be providing the wine served at the event to go with the heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Information of the event and tickets can be purchased ahead of time at flutter.swell.gives as well as at the door.

Individual tickets are $15. Couples tickets can be purchased for a discounted rate of $12.50 apiece.