After 5: OPT's Friday Night TV Dinner Fundraiser

One night a year, for the past six years, people who call the Ozarks home gather at a uniquely classy night spot.

It's the evening of the Friday Night TV Dinner, part of Ozark's Public Television's biggest fundraiser of the year, outside of the annual pledge drive. The site of the $200-per-ticket gala is the Newberry building, 123 W. Park Central Square in downtown Springfield.

While the Nov. 7 First Friday Art Walk swung into high gear outside, inside, the building was transformed into a fine-dining establishment, with candles and tiny white lights creating the bulk of the atmosphere.

Guests float between silent auction tables, examining the wares, calculating bids and enjoying complimentary hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. Conversation swells as people mingle and servers flow seamlessly in and out.

Auction categories range from entertainment to clothing, sports and fitness to getaways. There's an autographed photo of Tony Gonzalez, tickets to the Dixie Stampede, trips to nearby resorts and much more.

Perhaps the most unique item is a "motorcycle gas-powered blender," valued at $300, that invites bidders to "take the party with you." By far, the biggest part of the silent auction, however, is wine.

Donated by wineries through the Brown Derby International Wine Center, large format bottles dominate the auction offerings. A 1993 Gaja Barbaresco Sori Tildin valued at $1,200 seems to be the highlight, but a 3-liter 2006 Caymus Vineyards Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon at $800 is close behind.

After the silent auction closes, serious bidders keep an eagle eye on their choices while trying not to make their intentions overtly obvious. Others begin to make their way into the dining room, where silhouetted ladies dance behind screens to the pulsating music pumping over the sound system.

A live auction is orchestrated during dinner - provided by Touch Restaurant and Flame Steakhouse - and each table is stocked with six bottles of premium wine for guests to pair with the food. Kansas City's Atlantic Express, a band with a distinct Motown flair, provides the entertainment that keeps the dance floor hopping until midnight.

Two days later, the fundraising event picks up with a Sunday afternoon Food and Wine Celebration at University Plaza Convention Center.

Coupled with the Friday Night TV Dinner, this year's festivities raise more than $600,000, with the monies benefiting children's programming on OPT, which broadcasts under the call letters of KOZK, Channel 21 in Springfield and KOZJ, Channel 26 in Joplin.

"We feel that it's really important to put the spotlight on education and children's learning," OPT's Special Events Coordinator Hannah Combs says during a break at University Plaza.

More than 30 area restaurants and businesses participate this year, the 21st annual edition, and a special stage hosts live chef demonstrations. Around the perimeter, more than 100 wines are open for tasting. Three hours isn't enough time to experience it all.

While local artist Justin Bowling croons into the microphone, patrons sample food and wine, enter drawings for door prizes, and watch the NFL on several big-screen TVs.

"This is an event for the big kids, so we can keep the programs on for the little kids," Combs says with a smile.