The Tangier restaurant transformed into a festive night on Bourbon Street on Saturday at the 25th Anniversary Mardi Gras Gala sponsored by the Victim Assistance Program in Akron.
Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh was presented with the Bernard I. Rosen Community Service Award, and the Volunteer of the Year Award was given to the Zonta Club of Hudson; Anne Marie Smith accepted the award for Zonta. This year’s courage award was given to Karen Albright.
Event co-chairs were Erin Victor and Marissa Pappas.
“The community is so generous, and this brings our supporters together,” said Leanne Graham, executive director of Victim Assistance Program.
Jan Apisa added, “The money raised tonight will help us sustain our services for years to come.”
Terry and Carol Hunt attended with George Bruner.
“We like the baskets in the auction as well as the atmosphere and the food,” Terry Hunt said.
Zeb Keller was attending the gala for the first time. Rosalita Polio flew up from Florida to attend the event.
“I am excited about the awards ceremony and looking forward to the powerful video that they show,” Polio said.
The Rev. Robert Denton gave the invocation, and T.K. O’Grady from WONE-FM 97.5 served as the master of ceremonies.
This year’s committee included Apisa, Roberta Kleinman, Chip Clupper, Shannon Conrad-Wokojance, Angelica George, Lindsay Hailer, Erica Konecny, Jamie Lami, Carolyn McDonald, Kelly McGlumphy, Carrie Milkovich, Danielle Murphy, Cori Oliver, Danielle Petit, Carrie Pozsgay, Kathy Romito, and Deanna Sabion.
Sharing a table were Tamara and Dean Tschannen, and Shelby and Kim Buell. “I just support this organization so much because they are here for people who are in crisis,” Shelby Buell said, “and I want to help them.”