Gulf Coast State College Foundation 2014 GALA
BY CHRIS THOMES; PHOTOS BY HOLLY GARDNER
On the evening of November 21, 2014, the place to be was at the Gulf Coast State College Foundation’s Gala, featuring legendary singer Wynonna Judd. More than 450 guests enjoyed a fabulous concert, dinner and dancing at the Edgewater Golf & Beach Resort. Wynonna met guests and signed memorabilia (including a guitar) for an exclusive live auction, hosted by none other than Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki. And behind the scenes, GCSC Culinary Arts students used the skills honed in their classes and prepared delicious hors d’oeuvres before the concert.
The evening served a greater purpose, too, as all of the proceeds from the gala and auction were earmarked for direct student support through the GCSC Foundation. The community has always been generous in supporting the Foundation’s mission of providing educational opportunities through scholarships and enhancing educational programs at the College. Frank Hall, Summit Bank Executive Vice President and Gala Event Chair, expressed his gratitude saying, “I want to thank all of the sponsors for supporting the Gulf Coast State College Foundation Gala. The event raised over $90,000 which will be going directly to fund student scholarships. It was really rewarding to see more than 520 members of the community coming out to support our local state college.”
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
Joe & Sandy Ciccarelli
PROGRAM SPONSOR:
Alfred I. duPont Foundation
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR:
Marion G. & Â Barbara W. Nelson Private Foundation
CULINARY SPONSOR:
Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort
RECEPTION SPONSOR:
Skinner Tax Consulting, Inc.
MARKETING SPONSOR:
Summit Bank/Dr. Neal & Leah Dunn
PATRON SPONSOR:
Superior Residences of Panama City Beach
PHOTOGRAPHER SPONSOR:
Drs . James & Geri Anderson, Clint & Rhonda Mayo, Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Myers, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Roberson
DANCE BAND SPONSOR:
Richard Dodd/ReliantSouth
RAFFLE & AUCTION SPONSOR:
David Scott Fine Jewelry
DECORATING SPONSOR:
St. Joe Community Foundation
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Burleson Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
Century 21 Commander Realty
Drs . Tabbaa, Albibi, Obid, and Rifai
George G . and Amelia G . Tapper Foundation
Innovations Federal Credit Union
Premium Outdoor Signs
EMERALD SPONSORS
Carr, Riggs, and Ingram, LLC
Centennial Bank – Mr . Joey Ginn
Charles A . Whitehead Foundation
Panama City News Herald
The Trumbull Family and Culligan Water
Treasure Island Marina
Dr . and Mrs . Charles Voorhis III / Dr . and Mrs . Merle Stringer/ Dr . and Mrs . Rod Morris/ Mr . and Mrs . Rick Weston
Bay Automotive – George and Jan Gainer
Merrill Lynch – Mr . Osama Albibi
PEARL SPONSORS
Drs . Lyles and Linda Adair/ Mr . and Mrs . Roy Smith
Gulf Coast State College Alumni Association
PCB Business Women and Men – Ann Henry
Applied Research Associates/ ERA Neubauer Real Estate
Bay Medical Sacred Heart
AXA Bluewater Wealth Strategies
Mr . Derrick Bennett /Mr . Don Crisp
Gulf Coast Dermatology – Dr . Jon Ward
Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center
Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach
HealthSouth Emerald Coast Rehabilitation Hospital
Kenny Strange Electric
Merrick Industries – Joe Tannehill, Jr .
Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce
Adams, Hall, Schieffelin & Smith System Service and Engineering, Inc .
Tyndall Federal Credit Union
Tipton, Marler, Garner, and Chastain
The CPA Group
Trustmark National Bank – Mr . Jay Hindsman
WOW! Business
Harrison Sale McCloy
Mrs . Carroll Gaddie
FSU Panama City
Hess Entertainment
Dr . and Mrs . James Cook III
Florida Architects, Inc . – Mr . and Mrs . Joe Sorci
[/box]