The Gridiron Gala on Oct. 13 raised more than $50,000 to help the Autism Society of Alabama.
The society’s annual fundraiser was at Old Car Heaven in Birmingham.
The event had a game day theme, including a tailgating buffet, auctions and music. Will Pearson of Mental Floss, Inc. was the emcee. Music was provided by Feel the Beat Entertainment, and Imperial Catering provided the buffet.
The gala was held to celebrate Jerry’s Champions, individuals on the autism spectrum and those who participate in sports and recreational activities.
The event had both silent and live auctions. Some of the items on the auction block were “The Houndstooth Package” which included Alabama homecoming game tickets, a Dreamland Bar-B-Que tailgate for eight and an autographed helmet from the 2011 national championship team. The “Taste of Birmingham” package included gift certificates to Fleming’s, Shula’s Steakhouse, Rojo, Bright Star and several other Birmingham eateries.
Melanie Jones, executive director of the Autism Society of Alabama, said she considered the event a huge success and is looking forward to next year’s fundraiser.
Those attending the event included:
David Gordon, Jason Sinclair, Mark Berry, Mason Jones, D.J. Gray, Angie Barber, Brent Mcculloch, Victor Reeves, Phillip Landers, Wendy McDowell, Debbie Bumbicka, Patrick and Cindy Castro, Sean and Addie Solomon, Jim and Laura Griffo, Luke Williamson , Meredith Jones, Clara Chung, Emily Walker, Brandi Williams, Florence and Darin Everman, John and Missy Norris, Andrea Wyatt, Rachel and Russ Barton;
Beth Jocher Barnes, Greg Smith, Sandy Naramone, Amy Elmore, Glena Graverson, Ernest and Nancy Barnes, Niki Bowling, Bama Hager, C.K. Lichenstein, Paul DeMarco, Amanda Hardin, Ryan and Becky Delphin, Jason and Lucy Jordan, Cam and Julie Ward, Brandon and Kim Rowland, Neal and Finley Evans, Jim and Nadine Hamilton, Bill and Paulette Pearson, Will Pearson, Peggy Stevens, Jenny Norris, Jennifer Dixon, Iris Jackson;
Allison Moore, Amy Varron, Sally Davis, Karen French, Deb Stern, Mary Ann Davis, Victoria and Ryna Thomas, Dr. Myriam Peralta, Mike Morris, Byrne Sanders, David Bankston, Jackie and Tyler Cummins, John Dill, David Gibson, Rodney Parker, Jeremy and Kimberly Ragland, Angela McConnell, Daniella Barber;
Marcia Hay-McCutcheon, Rick and Rene Byrd, Karen Vinson , Jeff and Mary Jane Dillard, Mike and Betsy Bishop, Dana Johns, Christy Chambers, Anna McCalley, Susan Foster, Rene Mickler and Lisa Riley.
