The American Cancer Society of Birmingham’s largest fundraising event of the year honored the life of a Birmingham artist.
The late Toni Tully was the honoree at this year’s Hope Gala, hosted by the American Cancer Society in late August at a private club.
More than 500 guests attended the 34th annual Hope Gala to raise money for cancer research and to honor Tully.
The wife, mother, grandmother and prominent contemporary artist lost her battle to cancer in 2010.
Tully contributed to the community through her artwork and her involvement with the Birmingham Art Association, the Birmingham Museum of Art’s Collector’s Circle and the Women’s Club of Birmingham.
Her creations helped her gain a reputation as one of the pioneers of Birmingham contemporary art. She was best known for her painted fabric installations.
Three of her paintings, donated by the Tully family, were up for auction at the Hope Gala.
Over the past 19 years, the Hope Gala has raised more $4.7 million to support the ACS’s mission to eliminate cancer and diminish patient suffering through research, education, advocacy and service.
Money raised by the event will contribute to ACS cancer research and patient support programs throughout the Birmingham metro area, including Road to Recovery, Look Good Feel Better, and the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge.
The Hope Lodge, a 33-room facility that grants free lodging to cancer patients and caregivers, depends on donations to provide high-quality service to its residents.
Through donations and fundraising events, including the Hope Gala, the American Cancer Society is able to provide free housing, transportation and many cancer support groups for all who stay at the lodge.
This year’s Hope Gala was hosted by Lois Bradford and Pratt Austin-Trucks.
The event included a silent auction followed by a seated dinner. After dinner, a live auction offered merchandise ranging from jewelry to vacation packages.
Featured items up for auction included original artwork by Arthur Price, Carolyn Goldsmith and Julie Wray Maiolio; transportation to and from dinner in New Orleans on a private plane; and vacations to such locations as St. Lucia, Antigua, Panama and Barbados.
A Call-to-Action table was set up during the event to collect donations.
At 9 p.m., the event transformed into the “late party,” featuring music by the Maleman Showcase Band.
Those attending this year’s event included Laura McDonald, Sam and Emily Deide, Carmen and Randall Morrow, Ben and Rebecca Fulmer, Shirlee Tully, Amy and Scott Tully, Laylee and Alan Palmer, Chris and Anthony Grant, Steven Hydinger and Susan Salter.
