‘Jovita, this is for you’

Dress For Success Atlanta held its first EmpowHer fundraising gala in March 2019, before COVID shut things down and put large gatherings on hold. Longtime Channel 2 Action News anchor Jovita Moore served as emcee that evening.

Last year’s gala was held virtually, but Moore’s support was just as impactful.

“I firmly believe that to whom much is given, much is required,” she said, citing Scripture during a video stream with the organization that provides business attire, job training and other services to help women succeed professionally. “Whatever I can do to make someone’s life a little easier or give them a little bit more hope, I’m happy to do it.”

Channel 2 Action News reported in July that Moore has an aggressive form of brain cancer and gave an encouraging update last month, that Moore’s brain tumor is responding to treatment.

At Dress for Success Atlanta’s 2021 gala, held Friday at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, organizers and supporters saluted Moore for all her efforts.

“Jovita, this is for you,” said executive director Susan Bonds-McCulloch as she awarded a $5,000 scholarship to client Victoria Crawford.

Crawford, who said she is determined to become a lawyer, said, “because of you I can hold my head up high.”

About 250 patrons attended the Friday event, chaired by Tammy Farley and Jill Kersh with Susan Been as honorary chair. CNN anchor Holly Firfer emceed, Dean Crownover served as auctioneer and Dress for Success client Lillian R. Davis gave keynote remarks.

The event was held in keeping with safety practices. Everyone had to provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test for entry, masks were encouraged when not eating or drinking, and the attendance level was lower than in the past to allow ample distancing between tables.

At each place setting, patrons found note cards to pen thoughts to Moore.

“Jovita has never said no to Dress for Success Atlanta,” Bonds-McCulloch said.