Gwen’s Girls Gala
A Roaring Twenties theme helped nearly 450 guests celebrate the 20th anniversary of Gwen’s Girls at the Wyndham Grand in Downtown on Thursday night.
The event also honored Mayor Ed Gainey and nine other individuals with the Legacy Award. Before the program, a VIP reception with music by James Johnson III Jazz Group added to the flapper ambiance. That was followed by a general reception with music by House of Soul, all before the ballroom doors opened.
“Mostly I feel so happy and grateful for all the support we have had over the past 20 years to be able to achieve what we have,” said Kathi Elliott, CEO of Gwen’s Girls and daughter of the late Gwen Elliott, founder of the organization.
The nonprofit, which supports local at-risk girls and young women, announced $1.275 million in new commitments from The Heinz Endowments, Hillman Family Foundations and FISA Foundation.
“This is an extremely special evening. I know Gwen is in heaven grinning and smiling,” said Esther Bush, a Legacy awardee. Other Legacy Award recipients included Rod Doss, Bill Strickland, Tim Stevens, Cyril Wecht, Doris Carson Williams, Maurita Bryant, Sala Udin (who was unable to attend) and, posthumously, Alma Fox.
“If it wasn’t for the people here tonight helping me carry on my mother’s legacy, I don’t know where we would be, so we are grateful and looking forward to the next 20 years,” said Elliott.
The evening included a tribute to Gwen Elliott and several performances by Hill Dance Academy Theatre.
Applauding were: board chair Angela Weidman husband with John Weidman, Marcia Martin, Denise McGill Delaney with her mother, Naomi, Cecelia Coleman, Kathy Humphrey and Jackie Dixon.