Held on the eve of the International Roofing Expo® (IRE), the event was hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association’s ROOFPAC in partnership with National Women in Roofing.

The purpose — beyond having a good time — was to serve as a fundraiser for ROOFPAC, the only political action committee dedicated to advancing interests of the roofing industry in Washington, D.C.

Attendees took part in a unique and fun evening that consisted of an open bar and hors d’oeuvres as well as a live auction.

Auction items included an American flag made of copper by Rick Damato (editorial director of Roofing Contractor and owner of Damato Enterprises), a Colorado vacation package donated by Schwickert’s Tecta America of Mankato LLC, and four Maine lobsters every other month for one year that was donated by Hunter Panels.

Other auction items included a travel package to participate in Woman’s Roofing Day in D.C. (valued at $2,000) and a gourmet dinner prepared in the winner’s home by Dane and Sandy Bradford of Bradford Roof Management Inc. (valued at $10,000).

The evening, of course, also included plenty of music. In addition to a tour voucher good through Wednesday for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, attendees were treated to a concert and unique interactive songwriting experience.

Participating songwriters were Wil Nance, Billy Montana, and Karen Staley.

Staley’s songs have been played on radios more than 12 million times and have collectively sold more than 20 million albums, singles and downloads. In addition to producing her own albums, Staley’s songs have been recorded by stars like Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Trick Pony, Tracy Byrd, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty and Brenda Lee.

Nance also has an impressive songwriting resume, having penned hits for the likes of Strait, Tracy Lawrence, Diamond Rio, Oakridge Boys and Brad Paisley. The song “She’s Everything” that was recorded by Paisley was a No. 1 hit.

Not to be outdone, Montana’s credits include songs written for Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Sister Hazel and Kenny Rogers. Brooks’ “More Than a Memory” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in September 2007 — the first song in the chart’s entire history to accomplish the feat.

Platinum sponsors of the event were ABC Supply Co. Inc., Firestone Building Products, GAF, Johns Manville, and Sherwin-Williams. Gold sponsors were Atlas Roofing, Beacon, FiberTite, Owens Corning, Siplast, and SOPREMA. Silver sponsors were ATAS, Carlisle SynTec Systems, K-Post Roofing & Waterproofing, National Roofing Partners, OMG Roofing Products and SRS Distribution.

Bronze sponsors were C-Cap, Commercial Roofers Inc., Cotney Construction Law, Dataforma, General Coatings and King of Texas Roofing Co.