A recent Literacy Council event gave those attending a fabulous ladies’ night out for a good cause.
The third annual Girlfriend Gala was held April 3 at Old Car Heaven.
The event featured over-the-top table decorations, costumes and plenty of people kicking up their heels.
Corporations and individuals worked together to decorate tables that brought to life this year’s theme, Broadway Babes, said Literacy Council President and Executive Director Beth Wilder.
“The table decorations are what really make this event unique. We had a huge opera mask for our ‘Phantom of the Opera’ table. The ‘Wicked’ table had witches’ hats hanging from the ceiling. Plus the costumes were fabulous,” Wilder said. “We had ladies dressed as characters from ‘The Lion King,’ ‘Grease,’ ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Hairspray.’ We love how the community has embraced this event and made it so much fun.”
The evening kicked off with performances by the Red Mountain Theater. Mistress of ceremonies Sarah Verser from Fox 6 along with a DJ kept the excitement going.
The girlfriends were treated to a taste of New York from George Sarris’ Yellow Bicycle catering company. Raffle prizes included a Regions green bike, paintings, jewelry and a set of signed first edition books.
In the Levy’s Fine Jewelry Diamond Drop, one lucky guest was revealed as the winner of the diamond among 74 other potential winners. George Sarris gave away a lobster dinner for 10 to be specially prepared at his Fish Market restaurant.
“We had a blast,” said Literacy Council board member Alison Scott. “But most of all, my friends and I loved that this was more than a party. It was an opportunity to support the wonderful work the Literacy Council does in our community teaching adults to read and speak English.”
The 2014 Girlfriend Gala committee members were Emily Amberson, Mia Cowan, Leslie Doyle, Julie Ellis, Ann Forney, Patti Callahan-Henry, Virginia Patterson, Lee Ann Petty, Madeline Reiss, Kenyatta Stovall and Susan Swagler.
Plans are already underway for Girlfriend Gala 2015. To be part of the Girlfriend Gala committee or get on the list to attend next year, call the Literacy Council at 326-1925.
