Sparkling Soirées - 50th Anniversary Golden Gala

Women are nurturers and leaders; they give of their bodies and spirits to grow children and to  head careers in the corporate world. Not fluffy or passive, women are familiar with the pain of suffering and the fierce love of families and neighbors. The women in our community have organized, fundraised, and dreamt behind the scenes in order to raise awareness and gather resources to find a cure for the disease that robs us of our grandparents, our spouses, our children, our dear friends, and our own lives. We are tired of what cancer takes from us. But we are so very hopeful for a future that sees effective medications that saves lives of those in our midst whom we cherish.             

To combat this deadly foe, for an incredible half century Glynn County women have been gathering annually to present a special event that benefits of the Glynn County Unit of the American Cancer Society. The first event was a luncheon/fashion show held at the Frederica Yacht Club with Mrs. James Gilbert, Sr. serving as chairwoman. What began as "Harriet's fashion show" grew into today's Victory Gala. During the past five decades, thousands of women in our community have worked tirelessly as volunteers to raise upwards of $2 million for the American Cancer Society.

From 1986 to 1994, our Victory Gala won the coveted President's Diamond Award for best ACS event in the state. Because of this success, in 1992, the Glynn County ACS Unit sponsored a trip for a group of past chairwomen to Dallas, home of the prestigious Cattle Baron's Ball. Nancy Wood and Jane Segerberg observed the Dallas organization at work and, using that group as inspiration, the past chairwomen of the Victory Gala came together to form the Glynn County’s Victory Board in 1994. There were 26 founding members and some continue to serve on Victory 

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Photo by Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography

Lauren Hopkins, Victory Gala Chair, 2012

Board today. The group's stated purpose remains: "to further the general goals of the American Cancer Society by organizing and producing one Special Event each ‘Victory’ Year in order to

Lauren Hopkins chaired Victory Gala in 2012 with Bess Chambliss, Helen Rentz, Riley Sams, and Bethany Vann. She says of the experience, “Jointly, we felt a sense of accomplishment raising more than $200k for a cause very dear to our hearts, and one that deeply affects so many. Fundraising aside, I made great memories with my co-chairs, which grew into lasting friendships. My favorite event we hosted was a beautiful fall luncheon at the Frederica Boathouse where we honored past Victory chairs. Victory Board has impacted our community in a tremendous manner and it’s an honor to be associated with such a wonderful group of women who selflessly support the American Cancer Society.” 

Many past chairwomen continue to serve today. Those with over 30 years of continuous service include Mary Bishop, Louise Champion-Bledsoe, Sandra Brunson, Anne Futch, Claudia Malone, and Nancy Wood. Those with over 20 years are Dawn Hart, Rebecca Lott, Elizabeth Pipe, Jane Segerberg, Leslie Sutton, Ann Tuten, Ann Whelchel, and Ellen Woodside. Victory membership includes the second generation of several local families: Bishop, Brunson, and Champion, among

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Photo by Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography

Alexa Scott, Victory Board President

 others. Alexa Scott chaired Victory Gala in 2016, raising $179,387, and currently serves as Victory Board President. When asked why she participates, she answers, “I love having the opportunity to work with women throughout the community to help raise funds to find a cure to this terrible disease that has directly affected all of us.”

This year’s Victory Board hopes to raise $45,000 in proceeds from the 50th Anniversary Golden Gala, so that they can provide 50% of those funds to address the transportation needs of patients being treated for cancer; and the remainder to fulfill the remaining services provided at the Southeast Georgia Health System’s Cancer Research Center. Last year in Glynn County, there were 760 patients that were eligible for treatment and cancer care services. 71% of requests received in Glynn County were for transportation. Services have included providing or finding transportation not only within Glynn County, but all over the Southeast. This also included lodging at either HOPE Lodge or extended stay lodging. Even though these patients aren’t in Glynn County receiving treatment, they have traveled from Glynn County to other areas where their specific cancer was treated. A significant need is transportation and lodging for pediatric patients who are mainly seen in Jacksonville and Atlanta, because Glynn County does not have the resources to care for pediatric patients. Transportation is provided in several ways: volunteers driving locally, medical transports such as hospital vans, buses, etc. This can be from a patient’s home to their doctor’s office, chemo treatment or other medical services. It also includes out of town transportation. It is a vital service to deliver logistical support in addition to emotional support to local cancer patients. By providing transportation and lodging, we can help eliminate the financial barrier that prevents many patients from receiving adequate treatment.

In honor of 50 years of local women's hard work to raise money for cancer research and cancer patient outreach, the Victory Board will hold a Golden Gala on October 26th at Sea island’s Retreat Clubhouse and your attendance is requested. Cocktails and silent auction will start the evening at six o'clock, followed by an intimate seated dinner and a live auction, followed by live music and dancing with The Legacy Band from Savannah. Don your favorite black tie best for a glitzy Golden Gala with the setting of the gorgeous Retreat golf course as the backdrop. Tickets for the seated dinner sold out after we went to press, but the Board has decided to offer limited tickets for a “Strolling Reception,” where guests can enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, access to silent and live auctions, buffet dinner and dessert bar. These tickets are $90 per person. Bring a date, bring your wallet, and get ready for a beautiful evening of celebration of the Victory Board's 50th Anniversary. We hope in 50 years, cancer research will not be necessary, but right now let’s honor the hard work of years past in hopes of a bright and healthy future!

For more information on this year’s Golden Gala and to purchase tickets, visit acsvictoryboard.org.