The exquisitely appointed home of Phil and Denise Webb served as the setting for this year’s Summer Cancer Gala on Friday, Aug. 13. The event — a benefit for the American Cancer Society — provided a lively respite from yet another dog day of summer, and raised a very generous amount of money for cancer research. Most everyone has been touched by cancer in some form or fashion, either directly or indirectly. Our community always seems to come through with the help and hard work of countless volunteers. This year’s event was chaired by Rick Dawson, Mark Ford and Jason Alderman. Committee chairpersons included Bobby Foster, tickets; Denise Webb and Pam Dawson, decorations; Brenda Roberts, food; Scott Skinner, silent auction; Jim Nolen, sponsorships; Chris Wright, website; Cam Payne, memorials and tributes, and Brooke Mann, program. This year’s Summer Gala proved to be incredibly successful: memorials and tributes doubled totals from the best year ever; the organization sold more sponsorships than ever before; they sold 100 more tickets (365 total) than ever before; there were 30-40 more items donated for the silent auction (130 items in all) than ever before; and there were 14 items on the live auction. All of these were done in the name of cancer research, to help more cancer patients celebrate more birthdays.
Guests at the Summer Cancer Gala enjoyed a delicious supper of shrimp and grits, served in martini glasses, fried green tomato salad, beef brisket with flatbread and romaine, and mixed greens with ginger dressing, mandarin oranges, cherry tomatoes and chicken. Dessert — gourmet cupcakes — commemorated the Cancer Society’s theme of celebrating birthdays.
Tents and tables were decorated with balloons and brightly colored banners and chair covers, and Robby Jordan entertained guests with a variety of music. Culminating the evening (and keeping with the birthday theme) was a balloon drop.
The Wine Cellar, Supreme Beverage, and the Water Store provided beverages, and tents, tables and chairs were furnished by Robert’s Rentals. Representing our local American Cancer Society, Lisa Haugen and Brooke Mann mingled with guests and sponsors, checking out auction items and admiring the beautiful venue. Remembering the Gala, event co-chair Rick Dawson said, “Even in the worst economy that we have seen in our lifetime, this is still a very giving community and we are very grateful for that. We also have one of the largest cancer Relay events in the Southeast here in Calhoun County. On behalf of the American Cancer Society, the entire 2010 Summer Gala committee, volunteers and all the cancer survivors, we would like to take this time to thank everyone for supporting this event, and we hope to see you next year to make it even bigger and better than 2010.”
Got an event to promote, a celebration to share or a vacation to recap? Contact Annette Maddox at starsmalltalk@yahoo.com.
