16 • Thursday, April 4, 2013
social
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Night Under the Big Top Helps Glenwood
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lmost 700 guests attended a February circus-themed gala to help those with autism. A Night Under the Big Top, benefiting Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center, was held at The Club. All proceeds from the ninth annual gala go to Glenwood’s outpatient services programs for children affected by autism spectrum disorder. The event was hosted by Glenwood’s Junior Board. Those attending this year’s gala could make bets for a good cause. The event featured casino games, food and drinks. There was a VIP room with wine tastings by Rush Wines and music from The Undergrounders. The gala also included live and silent auctions with items including vacation packages and jewelry from Levy’s. The auction also included 50-yard line tickets to the Alabama-LSU game. Glenwood started in 1973 as a private, nonprofit organization. The organization was founded as Child Mental Health Services by a group of community members, including Vera Bruhn, Cecil Bauer, Judge Ross Bell, Barbara Camp, Lucius Colvin, Jack Cress, Charlotte Dollar, Tricia Echols, Dr. more photos at Robert Estock, Dean Gambrell, Jim Gewin, Ethel Gorman, Dr. Ann Harper, Myron Harper, Bill Hinds, Fay Ireland, Mallie and Glenn Ireland, Paula Kimerling, Marti Kitchens, Dr. Patrick Linton, Dr. Andrew Lorincz, Shirley and Charles Seay, Joe Shaw, Dr. Alan Sheeley, Nancy Smith, Dr. Joe Smythies, Doris Tate, Rev. Martin Tilson and Dr. Herman Willcutt. The organization was founded prior to the law which entitles all children to a free, appropriate public education. This group of community leaders was aware of the special needs of children who could not easily be served in existing programs and who were often excluded from services. The group’s mission was to respond to that need. Their vision was to develop “a special place for special people.” The center opened in 1974 and almost immediately, the demand for services soared. The center started with one staff member in 1974 and now has 270 on staff. For more information, visit glenwood. org. ❖
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From left: Catherine Boyd, Josh Boyd, Arden Ward and William Upton.
Above: Allen Jones, Lindsey Jones and Milton Johnson. Left: William Thuston, Ginger Thuston and Tom Miles.
Photos special to The Journal by Arden Photography
Jenny Jakes, Annie Aul and Cathleen Ellington.
Oasis Luncheon Honors Junior League T
From left: Kara Myers, Deborah White and Sheryl Kimerling. Photo special to The Journal
he seventh annual Oasis of Hope luncheon helped raise money for women and children’s programs and also honored the Junior League of Birmingham. The March 12 event at The Club raised more than $131,000 in support of mental health counseling for women and children at Oasis Counseling Center. Cantor Jessica Roskin gave the invocation. Oasis Board President Andrea Powers thanked the event cochairmen, Sheryl Kimerling and Deborah White, for organizing the annual luncheon. Oasis Executive Director Kathryn Bowden expressed her appreciation for the 52 sponsors who make the work of Oasis Counseling Center possible, giving special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Harbert Management Corp., HealthSouth Corp., Protective Life Corp. and Vulcan Value Partners. The Choral Group of the Junior League of Birmingham sang Gershwin tunes while those attending enjoyed lunch. Robin Sparks Davis, Oasis Advisory Council member, gave a tribute to the Junior League of Birmingham. Davis talked about the league’s contributions to women and children in the Birmingham area. Kara Myers, president-elect of the Junior League of Birmingham, accepted the honor on behalf of the organiza-
tion. Stephanie Alexander, Oasis board member and sustaining member of the Junior League of Birmingham, introduced Leigh Forstman, immediate past president of the league. Forstman told the stories of four Oasis clients, ranging in age from 8-67, who struggled with emotional issues including grief, anxiety and postpartum depression. Lenora Pate and Steve Brickman ended the program by asking people to support the women and children who come to Oasis to find hope. Miki Kato, an 11-year-old pianist, played selections before and after the luncheon. Those attending the annual luncheon included Laura Barfield, Sally Bluhm, Mary and Chuck Butterworth, Josephine and Vincent D’Amico, Vita and Frank D’Amico, Nancy DeVaney, Patsy Gray, Ed Hardin, Mike and Ursula Kemp, Jon and Solomon Kimerling, Solomon Kimerling and Cornelia LaRussa. Others attending were Benny LaRussa Sr., John LaRussa, Lynn LaRussa, Barrett MacKay, Carey McRae, Eileen and Danny Markstein, Carmen Morrow, Philip Passafiume, Karen Persinger, Marian Phillips, Valerie Ramsbacher, Jim Sisson, Mary Roebuck Spencer, Susan Taylor and Katy and Charles Terry. ❖