2022 Greek Fest Charity Gala
The Bay’s finest came out to support the annual Greek Fest Charity Gala in style. With her impeccable taste, Dr. Stephanie Grosz brought Greek culture to life with to-die-for tablescapes and a larger-than-life display of charming cityscapes. Creating the always anticipated Greek homage entrance, Carl Clark of Fairhope’s Southern Veranda created a decadent lemon-bliss vision. Partners with the local Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, a unique collaboration of Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians, as well as faiths of all denominations, the organizations hard work resulted in a plate-smashing success.
By Hayley Hill Photos Layla Lambert, l-egantportraits.com
Summing it up perfectly, board member Ryane Fulgham says, “It felt like you were transported to Greece as soon as you walked in the door. From the moving scenes of Greek beaches and towns projected on the walls, to the food and wine, it felt like you were in Santorini. We even had a live performance from authentic Greek signers who happened to be in town.”
For Russ Ford, President of the Board and a founding member, the most enjoyable part of the gala was visiting with guests and being part of a team that impacts the lives of those less fortunate. “The mission of the gala is to raise awareness and support both local identified charities and various Orthodox Christian Ministries. This year’s event was very special as we raised over $200,000, the most in our history. Both Penelope House and the ministries will receive over $100,000 to help people in need. It’s very special to work with enthusiastic and caring people that want to make a positive impact not only locally, but across the world,” he tells us.
In its sixth year, Russ, a commercial banking executive at First Horizon Bank, further explains, “We’ve raised and distributed over $738,000 to Orthodox Christian Ministries and local charities such as Penelope House, Prichard Preparatory School, Victory Health Partners, The Learning Tree and NEST. We’ve also partnered with the Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) to help people impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine. We do this so we can provide children access to the best education to prepare them for college, and to help victims of intimate partner violence gain social and economic independence through shelter, counseling, advocacy and referrals to community resources and agencies. We also work to provide affordable, quality health care to thousands of uninsured adults and to deliver educational, residential and support services for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. And, lastly, we also aim to serve the needs of at-risk youth and families to transform communities. “
After moving to Mobile in 2016, Ryane and Scott, her husband, were asked by his uncle, Greg Saad, to become members of the gala board. “The event is always stunning! Every year the look changes and a new theme emerges. And, then there’s the work. The Penelope House is a special place in Mobile, and we know the funds will go directly to the women and children they serve in their shelter. OCN publishes videos and podcasts that bring joy to almost a million people each month in 190 countries, and we feel it’s an important cause at this time. Not being Greek, we didn’t know what we were getting into, but we jumped right in! After 6 years, we still love being involved and meeting so many great people from our community. It’s a wonderful way to feel connected and all are welcome!” she concludes.
Check out our Facebook page for more photos from the night!
