Atlanta Gala Benefits Holy Family Hospital, Local Pregnancy Center

In February, the Atlanta Region hosted its annual Life is Beautiful event, benefiting Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation (HFH) and Pregnancy Aid Clinic (PAC). Having put on events for the local PAC for 15 years, raising more than $1.2 million, the region decided this year to add HFH as a beneficiary, giving the event an international dimension. Jackie Bohling, DM, and Kim Schulman, DM, co-chairs, worked with a host committee that included Msgr. Edward Dillon (a magistral chaplain), Catie Aasen, Cathi Athaide, Melanie Colley, Diane Festa, Margaret and Arthur Grigorian, Susan Jannetta, Carolyn and Neil Johnson, Tisha Maley, and Lynn Mullaney. They worked hard preparing for the popular black-tie-optional Casino Night held at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Buckhead. Approximately 145 guests enjoyed catching up with friends and trying their luck at various games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. Laughter was heard throughout the lovely venue. Members of the Atlanta Region were joined at the event by knights and dames throughout the Federal Association.

As soon as guests were situated, Atlanta Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, O.F.M. Conv. said a blessing and thanked the Order of Malta for supporting the important works of Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation and Pregnancy Aid Clinic. Jackie Bohling welcomed all in attendance, including Archbishop Hartmayer, Atlanta Auxiliary Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III, and members of the PAC and HFH boards of directors. Ambassador Michéle Bowe, GCM, president of HFH, spoke about the works of Holy Family Hospital as providing a beacon of hope and light in a very dark place. She brought a beautiful hand-carved nativity scene from Bethlehem, which was auctioned off. After a heated bidding battle, Patty and Bill Turpin had the honor of taking the piece home. Kim Schulman introduced a heartfelt video shedding light on the works of Pregnancy Aid Clinic.

Through the generosity of many, the Atlanta Region raised $150,000 through the event, dividing the proceeds equally between HFH and PAC. It was a fabulous night filled with fun and exciting moments. The Atlanta Region hopes all their friends from other regions will join them at the next Life is Beautiful event—date to be determined.