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Thursday, August 9, 2007
A joyful noise at SCLC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference awards gala on Tuesday night packed the ballroom of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis with a resplendent and joyous crowd.
In the back of the room, we met Dyann Wilkerson of Austell, wearing a long sparkly black gown created for her by the Atlanta-based Wilbourn Sisters. Wilkerson has happy memories of volunteering at the King Center, under the leadership of the late Coretta Scott King.
“Even though she’s not here with us, she’s with us in spirit, along with Dr. King and Yolanda, who we miss terribly,” she said. Elsewhere in the room, S.B. heard the sort of joyful noise Psalm 100 speaks of, and stopped to investigate.
“We’re having so much fun,” said Helen Butler of Atlanta, sharing the table with Shirley McDonald, the Rev. and Mrs. Chauncey Newsome and the Rev. Dorothy Simms. “This is the day the Lord hath made, we should rejoice in it!”
Can the S.B. get an ‘Amen’?
Down in front, we visited with gospel star Vickie Winans, who performed during the evening. This woman was a feast for the eyes — and the ears, of course — wearing a twinkling pale blue gown, gorgeous smile and enough bling to light up the night sky. S.B. sat with her for a while, just hoping some of that fabulosity would transfer.
“It feels good to be here,” Winans said. “We’ve come a long way.”
The crowd heard remarks from a host of dignitaries, including Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, SCLC President Charles Steele, the Rev. Timothy McDonald and keynote speaker the Rev. Joseph Lowery. Those chosen as this year’s award recipients included Juanita Abernathy, the Honorable William M. Branch, Amelia Boyington, Johnnie Mae Carr, Laura Dixie, the Rev. S.L. Harvey, Evelyn Lowery, the Rev. Lowery, the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and the law firm of Arnold & Porter.
The SCLC’s 50th anniversary conference concluded Wednesday.
A truffling affair
Globe-trotting foodie Anthony Bourdain loves to sniff that truffle oil is the “ketchup of the middle class.” Pish!
A wide cross section of classy metro Atlantans turned out to launch the new Marlow’s Tavern in Midtown Saturday night, and those signature truffled Parmesan fries were just flying out of the kitchen. We spotted Jennifer Tugman and Noel Ritter by the bar, both carrying the cutest totes. Joseph Vella, Nancy Nusbaum and Karen Lowry lounged on the couch near the entrance.
Right in the middle of the room we spotted Sheri and Steve Labovitz and Lynne and Howard Halpern. Lynne’s smart look came together in her fabulous vintage Pucci jacket.
Mark your calendar
Who wants to wear a tux when it’s this hot outside? The 26th annual Harvest Ball benefiting Rockdale Cares, a nonprofit advocacy group for the mentally disabled , is coming up on Aug. 11. It’s a casual-attire affair. Reception and silent auction start at 6:30 p.m., dinner starts at 7 p.m. The location is 875 Davis Drive in Conyers and tickets are $45 per person. Info: 770-922-7272, rockdalecares.org.
The Governor’s International Awards Gala, honoring companies, educational programs and individuals who have promoted and developed international business in the state, is Sept. 15, in the SunTrust Plaza Garden Offices Atrium of the World Trade Center Atlanta, 303 Peachtree St. The cost is $150 for members and $175 for nonmembers ($180 and $200 after the Aug. 25 registration deadline). Info: 404-880-1562, govawards@wtcatlanta.com.
“Crystal Boots and Silver Saddles” is planned for Sept. 15 at Magnolia Plantation, 4065 Airline Road in McDonough. It benefits Childkind Foundation, which aids Georgia’s medically fragile children. Tickets are $175 per person and attire is Western. The evening features bull riding, calf roping, a mechanical bull and fireworks. Info: 404-248-1980, www.childkind.org.
What’s happening in your world? Tell us at butterfly@ajc.com, 404-526-5872 or 72 Marietta St., Atlanta, GA 30303.
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