Wildwood Gala a Huge Success
April, 2007

By: Melissa Lowrie

Wildwood Christian Academy held its Fourth Annual Auction and Gala on March 24th, 2007 at the Big Canoe Indoor Tennis Facility. The event was hosted by the Wildwood Parents Action Council and raised over $76,000.00 that will provide enhancements to the school, staff, curriculum, and enrichment programs.

The evening’s events kicked off with opening statements by PAC president, John Drew and Wildwood Headmaster, Nancy Hammer. Wildwood's new DVD presentation was shown for the guests as they dined. Gala Chairs, Barbi Burris and Patricia Geisen, presented the first door prizes as the silent auction bidding began.

This year’s change in venue to the indoor tennis center provided guests with a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for the evening. The tennis center was transformed from a sports facility into a beautiful banquet hall thanks to the expertise of Wildwood parents including committee chair, Patti Spedale. Their imaginative decorations helped make the Gala festive and fun. Wildwood would also like to give a special thank you to Steve Panetta and the fitness center, Tennis Pro Howard Hunt, and the Big Canoe POA for all of their help.

Appalachia Grill, Piazza and Justix® provided the delicious dining choices for the evening and Big Canoe’s own “Garage Band”, along with Trinity Church musicians, supplied the entertainment. Jack Short and his staff from Trouts have worked tirelessly with Wildwood every year providing beverages for the event, and 2007 was no exception. Again this year, The Nitu family did a wonderful job helping with the serving and hostessing.

Once again, the students participated in the fundraiser by raising money for Wildwood’s Financial Aid Program with the “Count Your Blessings Fund.” Their efforts included selling baked goods, hosting car washes, completing yard work, and babysitting. The “Count Your Blessings Fund” was a highlight of the auction, raising almost $5,000.00. The money will financially assist qualified student(s) that would not otherwise be able to attend the Academy.

This year’s gala featured over 130 silent auction items upon which to bid. From day trips with teachers, to spa certificates, to swim lessons, there was something for everyone. The 20 pieces of art created by the students with the assistance of Cindy Lupi and Judy Morris were a big hit with guests. There was also quite a bidding frenzy going for the original creative "word pictures" that Brian Osgood and Elizabeth Cook created with the students.

The Gala also featured a live auction which started with the winner of the Carte Blanche drawing, Betsy and Clay Eubanks of Dawsonville, giving them first choice of a live auction item. They chose the Harry Connick, Jr. concert package with a full roundtrip limousine to and from Atlanta, as well as dinner from Proof of the Pudding to enjoy during the show.

Gene Hansard auctioned the live items that included flying a jet fighter plane, ‘Head of the Pack’ Carpool, a private Yacht trip and finally, a weekend in North Carolina that includes tickets to a UNC basketball game. Big Canoe resident and 1958 Cy Young winner, Bob Turley, presented a special New York Yankees autographed photograph and one of a kind DVD and baseball for the guests.

Wildwood would like to thank its Gala sponsors and generous donors, without whom, the evening would not have been possible. We thank you for your support.

Gold Sponsors 

v    Big Canoe Realty

v    Jen-Weld Windows and Doors

Bronze Sponsors

v    Cheststee State Bank

v    Crescent Bank

v    Foothills IGA

v    JDREW Real Estate Advisors

v    Takeuchi

v    Trouts Beverages

Host Sponsors

v    SleeveCo Inc.

Wolf Sponsors

v    Jasper Banking Company

v    Parish Lowrie State Farm

v    Peagler Custom Homes

v    Piedmont Mountainside Hospital

v    Shoppes at North Gate Station

v    The Burris & Ruff Families

v    WeldRight LLC/Greg Beasley