A Community Affair
Photography by Nick Toth and Sarah Spivey, The Darkroom Photography.
On November 8, Victory Gala chairs Caroline Dorminy, Shannon Gilreath, Lori Lambright, Dalee Merrill, Tina Owens and Meg Schwarzrock invite the community to join them for “A Coastal Celebration.” We pulled together this group of dynamic women (save for Meg who recently relocated from our fair island) and some of the event sponsors on a sunny day at Sea Island’s Retreat Clubhouse to showcase the group involvement it takes to pull off this annual gala. Grab a glass and join us in toasting this special event.
The beautiful vignette settings were created by a talented crew from Beachview Event Rentals & Design and sumptuously decorated by the artistic folks from The Vine. Fashion was provided by Tibi, Cloister Collection, and Evelyne Talman. Stop in to see what lovely dresses they can find for you to wear to the Victory Gala. All jewelry was supplied by Chadwick’s Jewelers. From stunning classic pieces to fabulous contemporary looks and custom pieces, Chadwick’s Jewelers has been providing fine jewelry and reliable service with a personal touch to its customers since 1982. (Copy continues after photos.)
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The Darkroom Photography
Victory Gala Chairs and Event Sponsors
Standing: Tina Owens, Lori Lambright, Caroline Dorminy, Shannon Gilreath, Dalee Merrill. Seated (second row): Scott Steilen (Sea Island), Bill Welch (Sea Island), Brent Barbee (JDA), Bryce VanBrock (The Vine), Jason Russell (Sea Island), Nick Toth (The Darkroom Photography), Clay Caldwell (JDA). Seated (first row): Morgan Miles (Beachview), Elizabeth Killgallon (Sea Island), Anna Helms (Beachview).
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The Darkroom Photography
Tropical
Caroline Dorminy is sleekly stylish in this Urban Jungle tropical print dress from Tibi and dazzling pendant. The muted greens and browns bring to mind a lush oasis escape.
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The Darkroom Photography
Sparkling
Beach sand sparkling in the sun is the vision evoked by Shannon Gilreath (standing) in this London Times ruffle-neck dress from Evelyne Talman. Her bracelet is as perfect an adornment as a seashell on the shore.
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The Darkroom Photography
Coral
Brightly colored deep sea reefs are the inspiration for Dalee Merrill’s look in this Tibi layered halter dress and custom-made coral necklace. If you think the front is pretty, you should see the back!
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The Darkroom Photography
Ravishing
Who says a Lilly needs to be pink? Lori Lambright looks ravishing in this unexpected chocolate brown and white Angel halter maxi dress by Lilly Pulitzer from Cloister Collection.
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The Darkroom Photography
Brilliant
You can’t find a shade of blue in the sea more gorgeous than this. Tina Owens is simply stunning in this Baltic Blue maxi dress by Tibi with a glittering tanzanite pendant to match.
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The Darkroom Photography
Fantastic Florals
One of the lovely tablescapes designed by The Vine. Their creations at the Victory Gala promise to be even more gorgeous.
The Gala
In 1969, Mrs. James B. Gilbert, Sr. organized a fashion show luncheon presented by Mrs. Peggy Missildine of the Fireside Cottage. It took place at the Sea Island Club Room and was attended by approximately 200 women. This was the first benefit for the American Cancer Society in Glynn County, and “Harriet’s Fashion Show” evolved through the decades into the Victory Gala. This year’s event, “A Coastal Celebration,” marks the 45th anniversary of the area’s premier charitable event.
The ACS Victory Board and gala chairs will host the festivities under the oak trees and stars at Sea Island Retreat Clubhouse on St. Simons Island on Saturday, November 8. The evening’s events include fabulous food, music by Jacksonville band “Now is the Time,” live and silent auctions of some amazing items, including an amazing New York Fashion Week Experience donated by Tibi, a jewelry raffle featuring a beautiful custom-made diamond necklace by Chadwick’s Jewelers, and the always-popular wine raffle.
While the Victory Gala chairs generally get the most attention, it’s important to note that there is a larger Victory Board. Their mission and purpose is to further the goals of the American Cancer Society by organizing and producing special events each Victory year to raise funds for the Glynn County Unit of the American Cancer Society. And just how much impact do Victory Gala events have in the local community and where do these funds actually go?
You might be surprised. Here’s a “by the numbers” look at the local impact from funds raised through the Victory Board and other volunteer efforts in just the past year:
107 patients in Glynn County received aid and support in the form of 178 programs and services provided by the American Cancer Society.
989 services requests for patients and their families were fulfilled by the Glynn County unit.
20 women in cancer treatment participated in Look Good Feel Better® and received makeup tips to help them with their appearance and self-confidence
31 women received free wigs.
More than 434 rides were given to and from treatment with the Road to Recovery and transportation assistance programs.
141 people received personal consultation and information.
29 nights of lodging were provided free of charge at Hope Lodge for cancer patients receiving treatment far from home.
Thanks in large part to research and programs funded by the Society, there are now more than 13.7 million cancer survivors in the United States. But just as the American Cancer Society needs partners like the Victory Board to help eliminate cancer, the Victory Board needs partners from the community to make their events successful and their efforts worthwhile. The Victory Gala event would not be possible without the contributions of sponsors, volunteers, and silent auction donors. This year’s gracious presenting sponsor is the Stephen and Gail Lambright Charitable Gift Foundation, and the following in-kind and corporate sponsors have joined them and the Victory Board to present this year’s gala:
IN KIND SPONSORS
Beachview Event Rentals & Design
BeSeen
Elegant Island Living
JDA
Sea Island Company
The Darkroom Photography
The Vine
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Char-Griller
Coastal CPA’s LLC
Coastal Oral Surgery
CyberKnife Cancer Center
Dunwody Beeland, Architects, Inc
Georgia Theatre Company
H&H Lifestyles
Hall Booth Smith & Slover P.C.
Mike Murphy Kia
Mr. & Mrs. Robert O’Brien
Rich Products
Schell & Hogan, LLP
Southeast Georgia Health Systems
St. Simons Island Dental Assoc., P.C.
The Butin Group
The Coastal Bank of Georgia
Woodrow Sapp Well Drilling
There is still time to participate as a corporate sponsor. Visit ACSVictoryBoard.org and sign-up to help the cause today!
Everyone in the community is invited to join this 45th annual evening of giving for a great cause. Tickets are $150 per person and are available online at ACSVictoryBoard.org or by calling 912.355.1378. If you cannot attend, please consider purchasing a Keepsake Luminary for $50 in honor of someone close to you that has been impacted by cancer. We look forward to seeing you there.
