EASLEY — Hundreds of people showed up to Arran Farm on Saturday night to raise funds for a great cause — the food, dancing and conversation were just added bonuses.

“I don’t have the final numbers in yet but our turnout was around 25 percent greater than last year’s roast,” said Tammy Aiken Clark, chair of the Friends of Pickens County Guardians ad Litem board. “It was a huge success.”

Clusters for Kids, the second annual oyster roast to benefit Friends of PCGAL, is the organization’s main fundraiser for the year.

“We have other benefits and events we host to raise money, but this is the big one,” said Clark. “Everyone had a good time, the silent auction was packed and I heard the food was good but I was so busy all night I didn’t eat until I got home that night.”

According to Clark, thanks to near perfect weather, this year’s bonfire was more of a fun perk than it had been the previous year.

“It was so cold last year. Remember it snowed on November 1? We had 30 or 40 people huddled around that fire at all times trying to stay warm. This year it wasn’t really necessary, but it looked nice.”

At the roast, board member Stan Whitten estimated there were around 300 to 350 people in attendance.

Rep. Neal Collins was the honorary chairman for Saturday’s event.

“Thank you all for coming out here,” Collins addressed the crowd. “This is an important program and I am honored and humbled to have been a part of it. And if this thing keeps growing like it has, next year this will be billed as the largest silent auction in Pickens County.”

Stan Whitten, left, a Friends of PCGAL board member, takes a break with Rep. Neal Collins at the second Clusters for Kids fundraising event held Oct. 24. Collins served as honorary chairman of the event.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_001.jpgStan Whitten, left, a Friends of PCGAL board member, takes a break with Rep. Neal Collins at the second Clusters for Kids fundraising event held Oct. 24. Collins served as honorary chairman of the event. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

Clusters for Kids, the second annual oyster roast to benefit Friends of PCGAL, is the organization’s main fundraiser for the year.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_011.jpgClusters for Kids, the second annual oyster roast to benefit Friends of PCGAL, is the organization’s main fundraiser for the year. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

Hundreds of people showed up to Arran Farm on Oct. 24 to raise money for Friends of Pickens County Guardians ad Litem.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_photo-2.jpgHundreds of people showed up to Arran Farm on Oct. 24 to raise money for Friends of Pickens County Guardians ad Litem. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

Thanks to near perfect weather, this year’s bonfire was more of a fun perk than it had been the previous year where it was so cold people had to huddle around it for warmth.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_photo-3.jpgThanks to near perfect weather, this year’s bonfire was more of a fun perk than it had been the previous year where it was so cold people had to huddle around it for warmth. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

The turnout was around 25 percent greater than last year’s roast.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_photo-4.jpgThe turnout was around 25 percent greater than last year’s roast. Kasie Strickland | The Pickens Sentinel

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.