Women’s Fund of Southern Alabama Gala Report
The First Annual Champion’s Gala of the Women’s Fund of Southern Alabama on January 13 was a huge success. Held at the Louise Moorer Commons at Spring Hill College, the fundraiser provided attendees with delicious food provided by Shar Jones at Spring Hill College and great entertainment by the Tip Tops. The theme was “Diamonds and Pearls for Women and Girls” and included an auction of beautiful jewelry provided by six local jewelers. Each table was graced with white linen and decorated with a cluster of pearls and costume jewelry on top of a mirror. Strings of lights were hung along the walls along with long, flowing drapes of chiffon, giving an atmosphere of elegance and fun.
Nona Simmons, WJTC TV Station Manager, opened the program. Introductory remarks were made by Thomas H. Davis, Jr., The Community Foundation of South Alabama Director, of how The Women’s Fund began. Mayor Samuel L. Jones and County Commissioner Mike Dean gave recognition and awards to Senator Vivian Figures, Representative Yvonne Kennedy, Sarah Long Damson, Thomas S. Damson and John B. Saint for their contributions to and involvement in our area and state. Barbara Drummond, the first Women’s Fund President, closed the program with reminding attendees of the importance in becoming involved with helping other women and girls in our state. If everyone gets involved, we can make a difference.
The fundraiser made a profit of about $10,000 that was placed in the endowment for investment and future grant making. Please look at theses photos of the event:
Click here to view the pictures
- Special thanks goes to all the sponsors:
- Ciba Specialty Corporation
- Jean and Julius Marx Fund
- Alabama Power Company
- American General Insurance Company
- BellSouth
- Senator Vivian Davis Figures
- Elevator World, Inc.
- Life Transitions Career & Educational Counseling
- Thank you to the jeweler sponsors:
- Claude Moore Jeweler
- Friedman’s Fine Jewelry
- Goldstein’s
- Hayes Jewelers
- Lou’s Jewelry
- Trinity MB&J
- Thank you to our in-kind sponsors:
- ABC Signs
- Cleveland the Florist
- Gulf Distributing Co.
- Saraland Florist & Gifts
- Women’s Business Center of Southern Alabama
- Dee C. Design
- Thanks to the Theme/Decorations Committee:
- Kathryn Cariglino, Chair
- Melanie Craig
- Priscilla Gold Darby
- Alberta Davis
- Gia Dinges
- Dora Finley
- Deborah Hembree
- Terri Kearns
Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, Sarah Damson, Tom Damson, and John Saint, with their awards.
Barbara Drummond, President, and
Nona Simmons, Past Board Member
(left to right)
Tom and Sarah Damson, Mayor Sam Jones, Commissioner Mike Dean
Dancing!
Dancing some more!
Champion Award recipients (left to right):
Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, Sarah Damson, Tom Damson, John Saint
Champion Award Recipients (left to right):
(Mrs. Saint), John Saint, Tom Damson, Sarah Damson, Dr. Yvonne Kennedy
