On Friday, February 16, 2024, United Way of Sumner County (UWSC) held our Gala United - an Elegant Evening at the Speakeasy presented by TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center and TriStar Skyline Medical Center. The event took place at The Emerald Union in Gallatin, TN with 177 attendees. The night began with a VIP Lounge sponsored by Fitness 1440 which was open from 5pm - 6pm exclusively to VIP ticket holders. VIP guests enjoyed a private bourbon tasting, fine chocolates, wine, an early glimpse of the silent auction items, and a VIP swag bag with whiskey glasses, cigars, playing cards, dice, and a 24K Gold Eye Mask.
An amazing silent auction opened with a variety of 31 items including several pieces of art, an oversized mirror, Kendra Scott jewelry, a car detailing package, and a Portland Leather bag, to name a few. Guests also enjoyed appetizers, two open bars, and the musical talents of Jeff Buchanan and Daniel Ko, sponsored by Entertainment Sponsor, Volunteer State Bank.
At 7pm, dinner sponsored by Hospitality Sponsor, ITW StampTech Fasteners, was served with a delicious buffet catered by Kathy's Sugar & Spice including cream chicken, brisket, green beans, rolls, and a wild rice & sweet potato medley. An array of sumptuous desserts including white chocolate bread pudding, lemon chess squares, and cheesecake with chocolate drizzle was sponsored by Bank of Tennessee.
At approximately 7:30pm, UWSC Vice Chair, Kelley Crecelius welcomed guests and recognized sponsors including Diamond Sponsors, Dollar General and Highpoint Health - Sumner. Presenting Sponsor representatives, Mark Miller, CEO of TriStar Skyline Medical Center and Taylor Young-Sawyer, COO of TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center, each said a few words to welcome guests, as well.
The Live Auction began next with Ed Cope, Auctioneer, engaging bidders from both upstairs and downstairs. For those who enjoy a little "giggle water," the Live Auction included a Bourbon Package with Colonel E.H. Taylor small batch straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey along with a bottle of W.L. Weller Antique 107, as well as, a Bar Cart Package complete with ice maker and a wide array of fine wine and spirits. For the sports fans, there was a Titans Tailgate Package with game tickets, an on-the-go Blackstone Griddle, and a basket of gilling goodies; Music City Bowl tickets with a parking pass; and a Sports Fan Combo Package which included 4 Predators Hockey tickets, tickets to the Nashville Soccer Club, and round of golf for a foursome at Bluegrass Country Club with golf carts included. For the art connoisseur, there was an original oil painting featuring a summer garden. Finally, for those who like to indulge in a little luxury, there was a Laundry Lady mobile laundry service with a relaxation package including a one-hour-and-a-half youthful rejuvenation from Skin Therapy RX, and the final item, a week's stay at Silver Lining on St. George Island, a two-story secluded retreat with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a private pool in an exclusive gated community with amenities such as tennis, pickle ball, a fitness center, bike path, and walking/nature paths.
After the good-natured bidding wars ended, Erin Birch, UWSC CEO spoke about United Way of Sumner County's role in helping the community, not just during disasters, but all year round by partnering with 35 agencies in the focus areas of education, financial stability, health, and rebuilding lives (trauma recovery.) She was followed by UWSC Board Chair, Len Silverman who thanked guests for coming and made an appeal to them to financially support the work of UWSC.
The annual fundraising event netted $47,000 including $4,620 raised in the Silent Auction and $8,600 raised in the Live Auction. United Way would like to thank all our sponsors including Year-round Sponsor, Publix, and Patron Sponsors, Senator Ferrell Haile and Wood Financial. We would also like to thank bartenders Kim & Ryan Baker, Anna Smith, Susan Superczynski, and Danielle Washington who donated their time and tips to the event and all the volunteers who helped to prepare, serve, and clean-up for this year's Gala. Finally, a huge thank you to our 2024 Gala Committee, without whom, this event would not be possible: Anna Cook, Kelley Crecelius, Susan Gamairi, Kendall Hall, Courtney Moseley, Beth Pickel, Amy Ramsey, Wynde Ross, Jessica Stahl, Susannah Wood!
Click here to see our complete 2024 Gala United Facebook photo album.