Girl is the bravest among Braves

At 15, Avery Schroeder has already faced a lifetime’s worth of struggle.

The Lovett School freshman, diagnosed three years ago with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has since endured 25 spinal taps and at least 75 rounds of chemotherapy (involving five different types of treatment). She has spent 48 nights in the hospital, and has gone through eight blood transfusions and three platelets transfusions.

Throughout her journey Avery has kept her positive outlook. Now that she’s done with treatment, she’s back in the swing of things. She enjoys cheerleading and running track and donates her time to the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.

Avery appeared as a “Rally kid” at the foundation’s second Benefit Bash with Mizuno Big League Players, held Nov. 13 at the Atlanta History Center. Honorary chairs were Braves catcher Brian McCann and wife Ashley. A crowd of 350 attended, raising $183,000 for childhood cancer research. Braves players in attendance included Chipper Jones, Blaine Boyer, Kelly Johnson and Brandon Jones and former pitching coach Leo Mazzone, a Rally Foundation spokesman. Key committee members included Harriet Arthur, Julie Pederson, Dreama Gibson, Joy Posthauer, Carole Anne Orsborn and Nicole Chitty. Dean Crowe is the Rally Foundation’s founder and CEO. Info: www.rallyfoundation.org.

A suddenly serious note

Park Tavern owner Paul Smith and his team have been looking forward to tonight’s “Hunks & Heroes Bachelor Auction and Celebration,” benefiting the Atlanta Fire Foundation. But the event has suddenly become more meaningful. Chastain’s Restaurant, which Smith also owns, was extensively damaged by a fire that began late Tuesday night. Firefighters were still on the scene of the newly opened restaurant early Wednesday. No one was injured. About lunchtime Wednesday, Smith sent word that he’s waiving the admission fee for tonight’s event at the Park Tavern to show his appreciation for the brave firefighters who battled the blaze at Chastain’s. It’s from 7 p.m. to midnight and will feature food and beverages, dancing, the auction —- and lots of gratitude. For info, call 404-242-3640, e-mail edwards1000@bellsouth.net or see www.atlantafirefoundation.org.

Here and there

The Cathedral of St. Philip’s annual antiques show is planned for Jan. 22-24, with the tour of homes following on Jan. 25-26. Show chairman Frances Flock and sponsor party co-chairs Elsie Gould and Jean Morris hosted supporters at the recent patron party, held at the home of Coca-Cola chairman Neville Isdell and his wife Pamela. Guests included Harry Norman, Realtors president Martha Hayhurst and brokers Betsy Franks and Bill Rawlings, along with Jenny Pruitt & Associates’ president Dan Parmer and broker Rob Owen. The show and home tour benefit Soul Changers Recovery Foundation’s Women’s House. Info: www.cathedral antiques.org… . The 2008 Legendary Party, held Nov. 1 at the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton, raised $775,000 for the Shepherd Center. Sally Dorsey chaired the event, which honored Elizabeth Allen. Shepherd Center co-founders Alana and Harold Shepherd were among the crowd of 520. Others in attendance included Debbie and Tommy Malone, Eula Carlos and Elaine and John Carlos, Ruth and Tom Anthony, Sandy Thurman, Sandra and Dan Baldwin, Sara and Bob Walker, Diane and Albert Ashkouti, Rives and Beth Cary, Rebecca Smith and Gene Parker, Suze Jones and Patrick Nicholas, Mary and Jay Williams, Pam and John Smart, Nina Cheney, Susan Hurt, Patty Thomas and Fred Alias.