Record Numbers Set a Warm Tone for Atlanta Gala

Co-Chairs Kim and David Hanna are joined by Elevation Producer Stephen Cocks and his wife Ellen

 

Record cold temperatures, record crowds, and record funds raised, were the order of the evening of February 19th when the Atlanta Region sponsored the “Life is Beautiful” Gala to benefit the Pregnancy Aid Clinic in Hapeville, Georgia.

 

Special guest Archbishop Wilton Gregory offered the blessing and set the theme for the evening of “Choose Life”, which appropriately was the focus of that day’s gospel reading. Msgr. Edward J. Dillon, chaplain of the Order, was joined by Knights, Dames, and Auxiliary members who served as the host committee, including co-chairs Kimberly Hanna and Angie Lewis, committee members Mary Savarese, Terry Hartman, Marilyn Allegra, Jackie Bohling, Diane Festa, and Gigi Meyers, Master of Ceremonies Butch Elmgren, Auxiliary, and Atlanta Hospitaller Lynn Mullaney. Other Knights, Dames, and Auxiliary from the Order were also in attendance, as well as many friends wishing to demonstrate their support for the mission of the clinic to offer pregnant women the option to choose life for their unborn children.

 

Other special guests included administrators from the Pregnancy Aid Clinic including, Alix Shattuck, clinic director,  and Laura Grumbling, clinic operations manager, and board members Aaron Bartlone, Julie Ostrowski, and Warren Stoughton, KM.

 

On site that night was the Pregnancy Aid Clinic’s Mobile Unit, which was open for tours. The 29-foot traveling ultrasound unit, which was made possible by funds raised at the 2013 Gala, can be found in multiple locations throughout metro Atlanta during the week and on Saturdays, providing lifesaving and life changing services.

 

The gala began with a cocktail hour followed by introductions and opening remarks from Lynn Mullaney. Guests then turned their attention to a specially prepared video by the production company Elevation, featuring testimonials from staff, volunteers, and most important, young women who made the decision to choose life. Following a catered dinner, Butch Elmgren engaged guests in a wine and spirits raffle, as well as a variety of price-point opportunities to offer support to the clinic. Students from Holy Spirit Preparatory School’s Pro-Life Club were available to take electronic donations throughout the evening.

 

Despite the extreme cold outside, the evening was filled with warmth and love resulting in over $95,000 being raised to benefit the clinic.  Approximately $300,000 has been raised in support of the clinic over the past five years of Malta hosting this event. The Atlanta Region is honored and humbled to care for the sick and poor and defend the faith through this signature event. Anyone interested in learning more about the Pregnancy Aid Clinic may view their website at: http://www.pregnancyaidclinic.org

 

Co-Charis Angie and Dr. Tom Lewis are joined by Auxiliary members and Master of Ceremonies Butch Elmgren and his wife Dr. MaryGrace Ani Elmgren, and Auxiliary member Erica Meloney

 

 

Archbishop Wilton Gregory delivers a blessing and the theme for the evening of “Choose Life” while Atlanta Hospitaller Lynn Mullaney looks on

 

 

The Pregnancy Aid Mobile Unit, made possible by donated proceeds from the 2013 Malta Gala, was on site and available for tours