Small Talk

Plans are under way for Oh, the Places You'll Go! Summer Gala for the American Cancer Society, Friday, Aug. 15, at the Anniston Metropolitan Airport.

Co-chairs for the event, Lisa Cotton and Alison Landers, held a volunteer kickoff reception on May 15 at the home of Renee and Pat Stewart. A little rain didn't hinder the die-hard ACS volunteers one bit. The mood was cheerful and bright as guests mingled throughout the spacious, exquisitely decorated home while enjoying a generous spread of appetizers provided by Melinda Farrell, Renee Stewart, Phyllis Canup, Jane Hyche, Barbara Cushman, Lesley Hudson, Wendy Kitchen and Pam Dawson. Thirty-foot windows brought the outdoors into the living room as the volunteers posed for a group picture.

Committee chairs for this year's event are Mark Cotton and Jim Nolen, Sponsorship; Jennifer Farrell, Live Auction; Kim Billings and Barbara Cushman, Silent Auction; Lesley Hudson and Wendy Kitchen, Food and Beverage; Karen Jackson, Decorations; Pam Dawson and Renee Stewart, House; Rick Dawson, Entertainment; Rhonda Senkbeil, Invitations; Alyson Orth, Publicity; Brenda Roberts, Honorariums/Memorials; Mitzi Collins and Donna Woodfin, Check-In; and Kristie Alderman, Check-Out.

Volunteers are critical for success, and judging by this list, great success is right around the corner. Additional volunteers on various committees include Sheri Ballard, Melinda Farrell, Millie Harris, Deborah Westbrook, Patie Leonard, Rita Thornton, Debbie Curry, Jana Hulbert, Audrey Goodgame, Rhonda Johnson, Michelle Love, Edith Couch, Kennedy Lewis, Diane and Ken Joiner, Cindy Phillis, Julie Escue, Julie Weaver, Carrie Brown, Shawn Green, Donna Davenport, Gina Stephens, Phyllis Canup, Anne Ulrey, Kristie Alderman, and Chris and Alice Abernathy.

Kennedy Lewis and Alyson Orth have begun the process of collecting an assortment of fabulous wines for an "instant wine cellar" that will be up for bids in this year's auction. Each volunteer will donate at least one bottle, so imagine the possibilities!

Other items available will include trips — to the beach, to the lake (remember, this is Oh, the Places You'll Go!) — artwork, plane rides and dinner parties, plus many, many silent auction items.

If you would like to be a sponsor, donate an item or volunteer, please contact Alison Landers, 371-2900 or Lisa Cotton, 236-6339.