One of Bridge House/Grace House’s biggest annual fundraisers, this year’s “Women of Substance Luncheon” brought together Tiffany Adler of Adler’s, Lauren LeBlanc of Fleurty Girl and Erika Olinger of Cole Pratt Gallery who, by their “Creative Graces” in the arts and creative entrepreneurship, were honored as influential role models to the women in the Grace House substance abuse recovery program.
The event also recognized three other individual honorees: Ronnie Briggs with the Richard “Buzzy” Gaiennie Award, Barbara Gaiennie with Volunteer of the Year Award and Sandi Newman with Alumna of the Year Award.
The Vice President of Network Development at third-year returning sponsor Peoples Health, Macon Moore, spoke at the opening of the program. Bryan Batt and Mark Romig served as emcees.
The Auction Co-Chairs were Andree Batt and Walton Goldring. Prizes included a 2016 Jazz & Heritage poster Remarque Edition; a Navarre Beach one-week condo package; and 50 guest movie screening packages at The Theaters at Canal Place. The silent auction offered more than 150 items, including signature suits from Jos. A. Bank; dinner for six with whiskey and wine pairings from Kenton’s Restaurant; and a custom-made Sylvia hanging pot rack from Julie Neil Designs. Raffle items included a Comfort cruiser bike donated by The Bicycle Connection and a John James Audubon painting.
Approximately 375 attended the event in the Audubon Tea Room.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: 21st annual “Women of Substance Luncheon,” benefiting Bridge House / Grace House
When: Friday, May 13
Where: Audubon Tea Room
