A WEEKLY LOOK AT THE NORTHSIDE’S SOCIAL SCENE
By Lessie Scurry
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/24/08
It takes a pal to be a PAL. The Alpharetta Police Athletic League held a black-and-white gala at the Metropolitan Club to help raise money for the organization’s programs for children. More than 275 people dressed in black and white came to the aid of the nonprofit by attending the gala.
Mark Hayes of WAGA/Fox 5, whose son participates in the Police Athletic League, was emcee.
The program featured a silent auction, live auction by auctioneer Scott Sedgwick, prime rib dinner, and live music by Big Swig Band.
The live auction took a different twist by allowing bidders to “sponsor a need.” On the block were grants for such programs as tutoring, music and day camp. Alpharetta police Officer Jim Little, the event organizer, said these auction items were for those who already seem to have everything but still wanted to help.
Sociable notables participating included several local politicians, including Alpharetta mayor Arthur Letches.
This year’s event raised more than $68,000 for the Police Athletic League, which serves about 300 children year-round through such programs as boxing, music and dirt bike riding.
For more information, visit www.alphapal.org.
Couples danced, donated
Love was in the air — in more ways than one — at the second annual Valentine’s Gala 2008 at the Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta.
First, there was the romantic kind as well-dressed couples had a chance to spend time together in a luxurious setting. After all, it was Valentine’s Day.
There was a shared love for the cause — Edu-Pak, a nonprofit organization that provides school supplies for children in developing countries. The silent auction helped to raise about $20,000 for the charity.
Bid items included a 10-day African safari, a week in a Tuscan villa in Italy, an appearance on the WGKA “Mornings in Atlanta” radio show, and a chance to have Hillary Clinton look-alike Vonnell Whittaker attend a function.
The love for food was evident in the offerings — Louisiana crab cakes with roasted red pepper coulis, sauteed black pepper brie with tomato confit, grilled marinated prime rib, breast of chicken tenderloin, shrimp and grits, classic corn souffle, and orzo with grilled artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes and shallots in a light thyme-infused cream.
And then there was just love for a good time — with emcee Joel Aaron of WGKA radio’s “Morning in Atlanta” show, music by pianist Reed Pittman, and dancing to the Big Band music of the 17-piece orchestra Night Train.
Among the sociable notables were Edu-Pack director Crawford Hitt, artist John Brown, actor Ric Reitz, and hosts Steve and Linda Griffeth.
Each week, we’ll spotlight the scene on the Northside by capturing the variety and glamour of the area’s charity, cultural and social events.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
We want to know about your charity event or party. Please e-mail Lessie Scurry at onthetown@ajc.com or call her at 770-745-1877. If you’d like, you can fax the information to 678-402-7927 or mail it to On the Town, c/o The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5865 North Point Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022.
