From Truman Capote to Tony Conway: Atlanta preps for "Party of *this* century"

ajc.com

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Truman Capote's "Black and White Ball," held at the Plaza Hotel in New York in 1966 in honor of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, came to be known as "The Party of the Century."

ajc.com

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

The upcoming

gala, to be held Nov. 7 at the brand-new

, the latest venue operated by

, is being dubbed “The Party of

This

Century.”

The debut event for Conway's latest masterpiece will benefit Shepherd’s Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute, a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation center for patients with multiple sclerosis, as well as the annual fund, which supports patient care programs.

The annual fundraiser - serendipitously named the "Legendary Party," has brought in more than $10 million over the years.

Shepherd co-founders Alana Shepherd and her son James Shepherd joined gala co-chairs Cindy and Bill Fowler, their daughter Julie Heiner and her husband, Bo Heiner, at the recent patron and sponsor party at the home of Melody and Joe Thomas. The gala's honorary chairs are Sandra and Larry Prince.

Capote, like Conway, grew up in the South and rose to social prominence and beloved for his style and talents. The former was friendly with  Audrey Hepburn and Liz Taylor. Mr. Conway is the man Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey rely on for flawless events here or elsewhere.

Shepherd Center patron party hosts Melody and Joe Thomas with honorary chairs Sandra and Larry Prince. Photo: Jim Fitts

Credit: Jennifer Brett

icon to expand image

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Shepherd Center gala co-chairs Bill and Cindy Fowler with Julie and Bo Heiner at the patron and sponsor party. Photo: Jim Fitts

Credit: Jennifer Brett

icon to expand image

Credit: Jennifer Brett