Bridge House/Grace House’s 30th annual Women of Substance Luncheon presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust commemorated its legacies of past and present.
Held May 16 at Audubon Tea Room, the event honored remarkable women and men making a difference in the community: Claudia Powell, Melissa Sawyer and Michelle Gaiennie Hamrick were recognized as Women of Substance, while Candice Harper was named Alumna of the Year. The Leigh Whitman Director Volunteer of the Year Award went to Sharonda Williams, and John Eastman received the Richard “Buzzy” Gaiennie Award.
In addition to the awards ceremony, guests enjoyed a 50/50 raffle, browsed over 70 silent auction items, and could purchase Aspirational Art cards featuring art by Ursuline Academy students.
The live auction, emceed by Mark Romig, featured five packages with the top item as a two-night stay at Hotel Richemont in Charleston, with dinner for two at Two Bit Club and weekend brunch at Indaco.
“The 2025 Women of Substance luncheon was the best year we’ve ever had, raising over $150,000 for Bridge House/Grace House,” said Director of Development Stephanie Clary, CFRE. “Grace House is the only treatment facility in the region that offers long-term residential treatment specifically for women with substance use disorders.
“Our fundraising initiatives — such as the Women of Substance Luncheon — enable us to offer the opportunity for learning to live sober one day at a time over an expanded period of time, a program offered by no other organization.”
Interesting Fact: The 2025 luncheon and Volunteer of the Year Award celebrated the legacy of Leigh Whitman Director, a Bridge House/Grace House volunteer and supporter, in whose honor the award was renamed. Known for living each day with purpose, Leigh’s dedication extended from her personal life to her impactful work with the Whitman Family Foundation.
