This year’s recipient of the proceeds from the ball will be locally-based Echota Pet Advocacy and Rescue Group.
Echota Pet Advocacy is led by Dr. Keri Hogan, a local veterinarian, and a slew of other volunteers in the area, according to Bridgett Oliver, chairwoman of this year’s ball.
Echota not only resuces animals in need, but also takes in pets from struggling families, according to Oliver.
“(The group) will take care of that pet for you until you get back on your feet,” Hogan said.
The rescue also provides pet food for local food pantries and biannual, low cost vaccination clinics.
According to Oliver, the Woman’s Club passed the $700,000 mark for total fundraising since the Sequoyah Ball events began during last year’s event, which benefitted the Community Kitchen project at Calhoun’s Voluntary Action Center.
The recipient each year must be a non-profit organization, according to Sarah Lewis, president of the club, and each recipient must first apply and be chosen. This year, the club received seven applications.
“I love the fact that we have the ability to help so many organizations in Gordon County,” Lewis said.
After an organization is picked as a recipient, the organization is inelligible to reapply for three years, said Oliver.
The ball is still looking for individual and corporate sponsors, said Oliver, and any amount is welcomed. A complete list of donors will be listed on the programs at the event, she added.
The ball will also have a silent auction, a live auction, and a raffle. Donation of items, services or other items for these events are also being requested.
A higher level of sponsorship can be granted with a donation for services at the ball such as $3,000 for a band, $1,000 for the dessert bar or $1,000 for valet parking for guests. Those donating to these services will have an acknowledgement of their sponsorship beside the item they sponsor, according to Oliver.
The first ball was held in 1988 at the Calhoun Armory, she said, and the first chairs were Molly Jenkins, Helen Jones and Cathy Matthews. The proceeds went to the renovation and expansion of the Calhoun-Gordon County Library.
The ball will take place March 5 at 211 Darby in Calhoun and is open to the public. Tickets are $100 each.
“We really wanted to keep it in the county, and support local businesses,” said Oliver.
Tickets are limited, but an invitation is not required. For further information or to donate to the ball call Bridgett Oliver at (404) 217-0337 or by e-mail at bridgettoliver@hotmail.com and Renee Theus at (706) 264-1075.
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