How do you take your gala? Shaken, Not Stirred, of course. The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance [GOCA] understands that the key to raising awareness and funds require a balance of entertaining guests while driving the mission home. How do you entertain 550 guests?  

The evening began with a VIP cocktail reception at 6:15. I took this photo soon after and you can already see the large crowd gathering. At about 6:50, Doug Barron, GOCA's director, welcomed guests by opening the huge hangar doors and revealing the abundance of silent auction items. Some items were super fabulous, other... eh. But hey, it's for charity.  

GOCA Gala emcee, Christine Pullara, host of Atlanta & Company was radiant and sparkly. From her smile, energy and bling, lots of it, which was auctioned off. Christine was gorgeous and totally amazing last night. We make a pretty couple, don't we? Well.. so does she and her husband!

No, Sean O'Keefe was not singing. (Thank goodness!) He was doing something far more important, directing guests to their table for dinner - a delicious meal, served family style, by the Capital Grille.

(I guess I could have turned my camera horizontally for a full view). But this gives a good idea of the overall scope of the room. The Atlantic Aviation Hangar is a 16K square foot space. WOW!

Valet parking was provided but guests arrived in alternate ways to the GOCA Gala, after all, we were at PDK Airport. One of my favorite photos of the night, proud mom Meg Reggie with her pilot son Drew, who drove this plane. 

You can't have a Bond themed gala without martini's. Tito's flowed all night.

And finally, the Joe Gransden Big Band. They were terrific! They began playing around 7PM and entertained the crowd through cocktails, silent auction perusals, casino games, dinner and dancing. They performed a most impressive version of Adele's Skyfall.

There were tender and tearful moments to the evening: Chemo nurses, doctors and survivors were recognized. Business was handled in a respectful yet swift manner. Everyone knew why they were there and understood the significance of the evening. The support was generous and touching. It was a beautiful night all the way around filled with love and good spirit.

fashionado