The Skyland Trail Associates' spring luncheon and fashion show, held recently at the Cherokee Town Club, raised money for Skyland Trail's treatment programs for people living with mental illness. A fashion presentation from the Phipps Plaza Saks Fifth Avenue completed the event, chaired by Kim Nalley and Nan Easterlin.
Skyland Trail, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, opened with just four staff members and four clients. Today, the nationally recognized mental health treatment organization serves hundreds of clients and families each year with a staff of more than 100.
"We are honored to sponsor the associates' luncheon," said Jenny Pruitt, CEO and founder of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty, which was a gold sponsor. "Skyland Trail does phenomenal work in helping those with mental illness receive advanced treatment that enables them to return to productive, independent lives."
Sponsors included Georgia Commerce Bank, Anna Paré, M.D., Dermatology Consultants, Sons Automotive Group, VeinInnovations, Saks Fifth Avenue, Laura Pearce Ltd., Whole Foods, Duvall Fuqua, Amy Kreisler, Kelly Loeffler, Rene Nalley and Betsy West.
As part of the yearlong 25th anniversary celebration, Skyland Trail President and CEO Beth Finnerty recognized the 48 women who were instrumental in organizing the associates in 2001.
“The associates are so important to us through their volunteerism with our clients, their ambassadorship in the community, and their fundraising efforts that support critical client services and community education,” she said.
Dr. J no fan of basketball theatrics
Hall of Famer Julius "Dr. J" Erving is a legend of the game but doesn't love everything he sees on the court. Why not? Too much showmanship. We caught up with the good doctor at the Crown Royal XO Suite at Philips Arena the other night, following a pregame whiskey tasting starring Crown Royal Master of Whiskey Kevin Mulcahy. (The Atlanta Hawks lost 105-92 to the Chicago Bulls that night, by the way. Ah, well.)
After Mulcahy ran through a little history (CR was created as a tribute to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during a 1939 visit to Canada) and some tasting tips (swirl and sniff with your mouth open), he introduced Dr. J, a Crown Royal brand ambassador. As you'd expect, Erving loves everything about Crown Royal. But basketball? Not so much.
"I get a little wrapped up sometimes in guys trying to create highlights," he said. "The chest bumping, 'look what I did,' I'm not a big fan of that. I never did it. I was taught you're not allowed to celebrate until after the game is over — if you won!"
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