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DEL.ICIO.USThanks for a great year
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seems like yesterday that the AJC rolled out the neo-retro idea of a society column. In fact, it’s been a year as of July 16.
Thanks so much to everyone who has suggested ideas, passed along tips or helped me navigate Atlanta’s social scene. Our city bustles with a large and diverse group of dedicated volunteers. Society patrons in the ATL give their time and talent to a range of great causes - and sometimes they’re willing to play dress-up.
This picture, sent in advance of this spring’s Excalibur Ball to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, is my favorite handout photo of the past year. Props to Joanne Gross and Christan Wojcik for getting their husbands to go all King Arthur in the name of charity. Shoot, I can’t get my husband to hold my purse.
From left, Dr. Alex Gross, Joanne Chesler Gross, Christan Eiler Wojcik, Kevin Wojcik, chairs of the Excalibur Ball, “A Night in Camelot, ” benefiting the American Cancer Society. Photo by Greg Mooney
Some themes from my year on the ‘Fly beat, with a look at what’s coming:
The old and the new
The ATL gets knocked for knocking down its past, but many folks here are devoted to history. Last year’s Battle of Atlanta Gala was hosted by Sylvia and Charles Harrison at Meadow Nook, their restored antebellum home. This year’s BATL Gala is July 19 at the Kemp-Castle House in East Lake, hosted by Kim and Craig Castle. Tix are $45, see www.batlevent.org for info.
The ATL’s social scenesters like to mix things up a bit, too. This April, Atlanta Ballet patrons were shakin’ it in the aisles at the debut of “Big,” the ballet’s collaborative effort with Antwan “Big Boi” Patton. Up next: the annual Corps de Ballet luncheon, chaired by co-chaired by Amy Nelson and Crystal Cox, is Sept. 8 at the Buckhead Ritz. Info: www.atlantaballet.com.
Atlanta Ballet artistic director John McFall with Dina Woodruff, left, and Michelle Sullivan. Photo by Jim Fitts
Antwan “Big Boi” Patton with Atlanta Ballet Dancers Christine Winkler & David Blumenfeld. Photo by Charlie McCullers.
The establishment and the young bloods
Smart organizations salute their longtime patrons while cultivating new ones. Example: the Michael C. Carlos Museum. This spring’s Veneralia gala honored longtime Carlos supporters Ann and Ben Johnson. A flock of familiar names packed the Fox Theatre’s Egyptian Ballroom that night for “A Night in Nubia,” while the hipster set enjoyed an adjacent junior patron’s event, “New Mix.”
Ian Walker, from left, and Katie Walker, Carey Benham, and Doug Benham at Veneralia, benefiting the Michael C. Carlos Museum. Photo by Angela Morris
Heading up that party were fine arts purveyor Spalding Nix and wife Aimee, who works in the museum’s development office. Stay tuned for a host of events in conjunction with the Michael C. Carlos’ upcoming show, “Tutankhamun: The Golden King & the Great Pharaohs,” running Nov. 15 through next May 25, at the Civic Center. www.carlos.emory.edu.
And keep an eye on Kate Atwood, one of young Atlanta’s serious up and comers. The fifth annual Kate’s Club Cabaret, benefiting the organization Atwood, 29, founded for kids who have lost a loved one, is Sept. 12 at the Foundry at Puritan Mill. Info: www.katesclub.org.
Kate’s Club founder Kate Atwood with Katie Long, chair of the board, at last year’s Kate’s Club Cabaret.
Green is good
From organic wine and local produce to recycled-paper invites and water-on-request at big bashes, eco-fabulous is the new fabulous. Atlanta radio veteran Vikki Locke made the best of a dry situation, saying “We are going to ask you, because of the drought, not to ask for any water and just to drink heavily, “ at last fall’s “Hope for Children,” benefiting Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers.
Coming up, Share Our Strength’s Second Annual Give Me Five Dinner, July 20 at Waterfall Country Club on Lake Burton, features Georgia-grown products prepared by five Georgia chefs. Info: www.givemefivedinner.org.
Atlanta’s rich diversity and charitable spirit
Urban Chic 2008 co-chair Richie Arpino, from left, Ken Goldwasser, John Stupka and in front, Randi Layne and Karyn Greer
Tons of hard-working volunteers keep Atlanta’s social scene going, so mark your calendar for a diverse range of fab events coming up. Malaysia Fest 2008 is Sept. 6 at the Duluth Festival Center; www.malaysia-ga.org. Urban Chic, benefiting AID Atlanta, starts at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 in the Fox Theatre’s Egyptian Ballroom, www.urbanchic2008.org.
Numerous National Black Arts Festival events are coming up, including the preview party for the Embrace fine art fair, 7 p.m. this Thursday at Mason Murer Fine Art; and the Artist Market grand preview party at 7 p.m. July 23 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Saturday’s 20th anniversary gala, featuring jazz great Wynton Marsalis, is already sold out. www.nbaf.org.
From left, Valerie Richardson Jackson, Susan Taylor, Editorial Director of Essence Magazine, and Thomas Dorch, Jr., Chairman Emeritis of Coalition of 100 Black Men at last year’s preview party for “Embrace, ” the Fine Art Fair of the National Black Arts Festival. Staff photo by Mikki K. Harris.
Speaking of 20th anniversaries, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity celebrates two decades with a family-friendly bash from 2 to 8 p.m. Aug. 30 at 210 Pounds Rd. in Tucker in Tucker. Admission is free and donations are accepted. www.habitatgwinnett.org.
Comments
By Theresa
July 11, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Jennifer on a year!! You do a great job and I love reading your stuff!! Here’s to years to come!! Theresa Giarrusso of MOMania
By Lindsay
July 12, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Congrats on a great year SB! Love your column! You do a great job of getting a great mix of all this fabulous city has to offer. THANK YOU!