"Lift your Spirits" 8th Annual Fundraiser
Thursday, October 20, 2011

Honorary Gala Chairman Mal Moore receives award from CGSS Chairman Terrell Spencer.

"Lift your Spirits" Blows Through Goal!

Heartfelt thanks to the many friends and supporters who lifted all of our spirits by raising more than $38,000 at the 8th annual gala on October 20. The Gala Committee had set what they felt was an optimistic goal of $30,000. The results were beyond their wildest expectations!

What a privilege it was to have Mal Moore as our guest and Honorary Chairman. Coach Moore is Athletic Director for the University of Alabama and was introduced by Wayne Gillis, an Alabama alum and long-time member of our Advisory Board. The crowd was visibly inspired as Coach Moore shared his personal story of the loss of his wife, Charlotte, to Alzheimer's. Afterwards, CGSS Chairman Terrell Spencer presented Mal with our traditional "Guardian Angel" award and commended him for his compassionate work for families victimized by this terrible disease.

Park Lane was aglow with pumpkins, fall foliage and twinkling votives. Guests visited as they enjoyed drinks and hors d'oeuvres and defended their bids in the silent auction. Then everyone was seated for a delicious buffet dinner catered by Kathy G. Jack Granger and his team from Granger Thagard motivated some lively competition for auctioned vacations in Ireland, Gulf Shores, Pensacola, Ashville and New Orleans, autographed footballs and game tickets, exceptional wines, dazzling jewelry, fine dining, lovely artwork and many other tempting items.

We truly appreciate our table sponsors: Herzing University, L. Paul Kassouf & Co., Protective Life Foundation, Linda and Spencer Bachus, Beth Chapman, and Tom and Maizie Nelson. Members of the "WOW" Friendship Group (Widows/widowers Opening Windows) sponsored two tables as a way to "pay it forward", having experienced the healing power of a CGSS support group just a year ago.

And thank you to our generous auction donors: Atchison Gallery, Alabama Symphony, Allstate: Ron Woods Agency, B&A Warehouse, B&G Equipment, Peggy Balliet, Barton & Clay, Bottega, Brasfield & Gorrie, BRESCO, Bromberg's, Janet & Steve Cox, Cajun Cleaver, Chan's, Diamonds Direct, Eric Eshleman, Fringe, Golden Flake, Griffith Art Gallery, Collin Holt, Eleanor Howze, Highpoint Hotel Corp., Homewood Antiques, Hot and Hot Fish Club, ICON Performance, Innisfree Hotels, Jason's Deli, K&K Nails, King Acura, Bob Logan, Nik Layman, Long Term Care Specialist, Mayer Electric, Michael's Craft Store, MomenTaker Photography, Nabeel's, Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, New Life Art, Sally Powell, RehabSelect at Shelby Ridge, Marjorie Slaughter, Samford University Youth Sports Camps, Shirley Schooley, Sky King Leasing, The Hotel Highland, Town and Country Clothes, Valley Cleaners and Brendan Lillis Words Foundation.

The success of an event like this is only possible through the work and commitment of the wonderful folks who served on the Gala Committee and as Volunteers. Terrell thanked the members of the Gala Committee, volunteers and CGSS staff for providing a delightful evening. He also expressed appreciation to Kim Arledge and Commercial Printing Company for the invitations, and to the many generous auction donors.

Congratulations and a resounding "thank you" to our 2011 Gala Committee members and volunteers for a job exceedingly well done: Maureen Alexander, Shelley Berman, Brenda Bodine, Peggy Bourland, Lois Caldwell, Marla Corts, Linda Dunn, Martha Hastings, Anne Hightower, Laudan Khalid, Chuck King, Melanie Lewis, Virginia Love, Carol MacMillan, Ann Marks, Peggy McClure, Peggy Miller, Myrna Pittman, Terrell Spencer, Steve Sweatt, Johanna Talley, Micah Wade, Annella Waldrup and Ann Whitaker.

See Video Below of the 2010 Gala:
CGSS lifted spirits our 7th Annual Fundraiser Gala and Auction held October 21, 2010! Get the full story here!