Making waves for local charities at the annual Reynolds Foundation Gala
The Reynolds Foundation Board would like to extend their greatest appreciation to the members of the community who generously supported the 2009 Gala, “Maritime Mayhem, Misadventure on the High Seas.”
The “SS Royal Mayhem” set sail from The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation on Friday, March 13, 2009, promising guests the opportunity to mix and mingle while supporting area charities. When Lake Oconee area residents and supporters of the Reynolds Foundation arrived at the event, they were greeted by Captain Charlie and his First Mate, Erin, and were swept into a reception area of the resort that was elaborately decorated to resemble a luxury ocean liner. The simulated “cruise” began with cocktails and served hors d’oeuvres, but by sunset the “passengers” found they were in for a rough ride.
Jamie and Mercer Reynolds welcomed guests as they were seated in their “lifeboats,” thanking them for their support and attendance.
“The Foundation relies on the support of the community, and this year that is true more than ever,” Mercer Reynolds said. “The needs in our community are great, and while we cannot meet them all, we are so proud to join hands with all of the caring individuals in this room to help ease some of the burdens that exist.”
This year’s gala raised close to $35,000 for area organizations and individuals in need. The event featured a live auction, a cash-prize drawing, wonderful food and plenty of dancing.
The theme, chosen by the organizing committee – Carolyn Channell, Helen Hall, Pat Patterson and Betsy Russell – played on the superstition of Friday the 13th while still delivering an elegant and fun setting for raising much-needed financial support. Funding created by the annual gala is redistributed to the community in the form of grants and scholarships to local charities.
A drawing for $5,000 generated funds contributing to the final proceeds, as did an exciting lineup of live auction items. The professional auctioneer, Don Sims, brought energy and verve to the event as he scanned the room for bids. The 10 items auctioned included a round of golf with Atlanta talk-show host Neal Boortz; a dramatic, 18-karat yellow-and-white gold diamond pendant, donated by Aurum Jewelry Art; a private wine-and-food pairing for five couples with Richard Matthews, owner of Classic Wines; an golf bag autographed by TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff professionals Retief Goosen, Justin Rose, Kenny Perry and Paula Creamer; and a four-night stay at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of this year’s Foundation Gala,” said Jamie Reynolds, vice chairman of the event. “The theme, décor and entertainment were all fantastic. I believe this is one of the best events we have had in the history of the Foundation and we are so thankful to those who attended and helped support our work in the community.”
2008 Annual Black Tie Gala: Broadway Lights
The February 1, 2008 event at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation was a great success in raising funds for area organizations and individuals in need.
The theme was Broadway Lights. The organizing committee worked tirelessly to create an exciting and memorable event drawing on the glamour and notoriety of Broadway’s most well-known productions, including My Fair Lady, South Pacific and Les Misérables.
Exciting live auction items included original artwork by one of America’s great emerging artists, Steve Penley. A total of ten items were auctioned by the master of ceremonies, Bill Dudley.
2007 Black Tie Gala: Mardi Gras
The 2007 Gala theme was “Mardi Gras”– both a celebration of the organization’s accomplishments to date as well as an opportunity to share the excitement of the rebirth and renewed energy of The Reynolds Plantation Foundation with supporters and the community as a whole.
200 attendees at the Lake Club participated in silent and live auctions, dinner and danced the night away to music courtesy of Terry and the GT’s as a show of support for the organization’s new direction. In all, a total of 138 items were offered at auction.