raises more than $435,000
Held on February 4, 2023, as the kick-off to the Georgia Museum of Art’s 75th anniversary year, Elegant Salute XVII raised more than $435,000 for the museum’s programs and long-term stability.
Generous donors went above and beyond in their gifts to honor both 75 years of free inspiration and the legacy of our retiring director, William U. Eiland. Our success would not have been possible without event chair Mary Lillie Watson and we are also forever indebted to our fundraising co-chairs— David Matheny, D. Hamilton Magill III and Gordhan Patel—who made sure we met and far exceeded our fundraising goal of $275,000. The evening had a 1920s theme and attendees donned flapper fringe, feather headdresses and plenty of sparkle. University President Jere W. Morehead began a series of champagne toasts to our beloved retiring director, William U. Eiland, that featured heartfelt tributes from long-time museum patrons including Todd Emily, Andrew Littlejohn, Randall Ott, Kathy Prescott, Peggy Ro- lando and Jason Schoen. A big part of his success at his job, many noted, has been his genuine interest in people and creating deep friendships with sup- porters. As Ott put it, “Bill Eiland is my friend, and I love him.” With the new cocktail style format, attendees enjoyed mingling delicious hors d’oeuvres selec- tion from Epting Events and period jazz standards from the Athens A-Train Band. Flowers and decor were spectacular, thanks to Maggie Hancock, Ligia Alexander, of Perryander Studio, and an army of other volunteers and the silent-auction items were popular as well. Attendees also had a chance to view newly installed exhibition, “Object Lessons in American Art: Selections from the Princeton Uni- versity Art Museum.” Elegant Salute proper rolled right into the Dripping in Diamonds Dance Party, with DJ Mahogany spinning tunes and attendees dancing the night away. We are thankful to everyone who made the evening a success—sponsors, partners, volunteers, chairs and, of course, our staff—and we are humbled by your support. Here’s to 75 more great years!
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