The Calhoun County Community Foundation held our first biennial Community Day Gala on October 11th at the WT Neal Civic Center in Blountstown. The event serves as a benefit for the Community Crisis Fund, a fund designated to assist Calhoun County citizens following a community crisis such as a tornado, hurricane, flood, etc. and will be held every other year on Community Day (October 11th).
It was a sold out, black tie affair with over 200 people in attendance. As guests arrived they were invited to sit for a formal portrait before entering for hors d'oeuvres and drinks during cocktail hour.
This year's theme was "Bridgerton" inspired and there was even a surprise appearance from Queen Charlotte (Melissa Chamberlain) who greeted the crowd and thanked them for "helping their brethren" before demanding to be entertained upon her stage exit.
Jami Daniels Joe, President of the Community Foundation welcomed everyone and spoke briefly about the work of the foundation and their vision behind the crisis fund before inviting lead sponsor Marlon Peavy with Peavy Funeral Home up to the mic to address the crowd.
School Board Member Kenneth Speights followed to bless the food before a delicious dinner of spinach stuffed chicken, roasted potatoes, and glazed carrots was served by the Altha Culinary Students.
After dinner Jami returned to the podium to present several community awards. The Community Caregiver Award was given to one Calhoun County official who goes above and beyond to serve Calhoun County through continued service and leadership. The 2022 award was presented to Calhoun County District 3 Commissioner - Darryl O'Bryan.
The Community Spirit "Love Where You Live" Award was presented to one citizen who exemplifies the best of Calhoun County. Always willing to serve others, works steadily to improve the lives of CalCo citizens through dedicated service and continuous volunteerism and selfless acts. This award went to Mrs. Vicki Fowler. (Vicki was not present so Melissa Chamberlain accepted the award on her behalf.)
The Nadine Stone Award was given to one female citizen or official who has shown continued service and dedication to Calhoun County and strives to move the county forward in a positive and inclusive way. The 2022 Nadine Stone Award was presented to Chamber Director Kristy Terry.
The final award for the evening was The Community Foundation Member of the Year. The community foundation seeks "dedicated doers" who want to make a difference in Calhoun County. We want an active team to get projects completed. Whenever there is a task to be completed this person is always willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. This person is the epitome of a "dedicated doer." The 2022 Community Foundation Member of the Year was Mrs. Melissa Chamberlain.
Several guests closed out the night on the dance floor before it was time to head home for the evening.
The Calhoun County Community Foundation would like to thank everyone who attended the event and all those who made it possible.
Thank you to Marlon Peavy of Peavy Funeral Home and Shivers Florist for being our lead sponsor this year. Thank you to our sponsors Covenant Care and Ken and Laurie Smith with Bibb Home Improvement. Thank you to the WT Neal Civic Center for allowing the use of their facility. Catherine Hammond Photography and Cornerstone Solutions for documenting the event. (photos can be dowloaded below). Randal and Mary Martina with Blountstown Beer Company for not only providing a variety of their local craft brews but staying on site to serve for the event. Bill Gaskin for sponsoring the wine and the Altha Culinary Program for preparing and serving a wonderful dinner.
Thank you Joni Read, Patricia Whitfield and Panache Events for the beautiful decoration rentals. Thank you to the reigning Miss Blountstown Linda Katherine Blackburn for assisting with the formal portraits. If we have forgotten anyone please charge it to our heads and not our hearts! We are forever grateful for everyone's generosity and enthusiasm surrounding this event. We can't wait to see you all in 2024.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Community Crisis Fund you may do so at any Calhoun Liberty Credit Union Location or online by clicking HERE.
Formal Gala Portraits can be downloaded by clicking HERE. ( gallery password is calhoun )
Event candids & inside photos can be downloaded by clicking HERE.