Arriving at Kehoe Iron Works for AMBUCS 2023 Bowlapalooza Kick-Off on July 20mk, I find Savannah Chapter President Kevin Sheehan hitting warp speed as the first of his 300 family, friends and future bowlers begin to arrive.

With 24 years of coaxing the community to support a life changing organization for people with different abilities, Kevin has enlisted fine folks like his vice president Mike McCann and event chair Kim Watson. Tasked with taking the kickoff to a new level, Kim has picked a perfect venue, band, caterer, emcee and speaker.

On the lookout for Auction Committee members Cindy Burnsed, Beth Ronning and Vicki Bradley, I head over to see the silent auction that the three ladies have brought to life. With staycations, golf outings, gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates and local art, the auction space is packed with eager shoppers.

Arriving next, one of my M & M’s, Marianne Ganem Poppell has her elusive husband Rob on her arm and is surrounded by her Town of Thunderbolt family. Who knew that my introduction of Marianne to TOT Mayor Dana Williams would lead to a bromance between the dudes, family outings and a new podcast opportunity with legendary Larry Lawton.

As the TOT marketing and event coordinator, Marianne invites me to September 10th’s Phil the Park with Savannah Philharmonic at Thompson Park across from Town Hall on River Drive. After she pauses to catch a breath, I glance down and ask what she has on! 

Looking all kinds of country in a red and white gingham dress, I giggle when Marianne jumps in front of Rob, her mom Evelyn Ganem, Dana and Chrissy Williams and Mike McCann for my most fun pic of the night.

Arriving next is auto royalty Walter Lewis and his elegant wife Linda. A fan of the J.C. Lewis group couple, I give them a hug and follow them over to snap a pic of them with their niece, ExperCare queen Catherine Grant, wave at marketing maven Miranda Marchant then hug hot pink model Kenzie Hancock.

Y’all! I have known Kenzie since she was 13 years old and it makes my heart happy to know that Kenzie is still working at Bitty and Beau’s Coffee on Tuesdays and Lacquered Up Nail Salon on Wednesdays. She remains the apple of her mom and dads eye and she always gives me a performance when I do my WSAV video segment!

Pulling her mom Karen aside, I talk with the Savannah native about raising a daughter with Down Syndrome. “Hmm. Here are some things I have learned – Kenzie taught me patience; she sees things that we don’t see.”

“People with Down Syndrome are more alike than they are different. Kenzie is pure happiness – she finds joy in the simplest things, she loves rainbows, old people and people in wheelchairs. Also- Everyday is Christmas or her birthday. Appreciative, particular and open to trying anything new, Kenzie shows me unconditional love,” adds the vivacious blonde.

Hating to finish this fascinating conversation, I snack on Erica Davis Catering scrumptious pimento cheese and bacon crostini, listen to John Cranford and his band belt out rock tunes, all while on the lookout for Big Frank Sulkowski, the most popular dude on local television. 

I find him with Jere Myers, the best auctioneer ever, and the husband of my Jefferson County home girl Elizabeth. With a big hug from Big Frank, I air-kiss Jere and ask. “Where is your wife?” The two-time breast cancer survivor is visiting family and has managed to elude me for the past three events.

In the growing crowd, I see longtime supporters like Byrd Cookies’ Jamie and Spence Lindley, T.J. Hollis, Dave and Elizabeth DeGeorge, along with Jake and Teresa Knapp. I then make my way over to the long last seen Rachel Wilson, the talented Mike Vaquer and the absolutely gorgeous Trish Howard. 

Walking with a monster-sized white check is Pintail Site Preparations’, Kevin Jackson, Jr., and his wife Kate. As the title sponsor for the past two years, I have a special place in my heart for this benevolent big guy with an even bigger heart. Not a fan of the spotlight, I admire the way Kevin is leading by example for our younger generation.

It’s showtime! Frank takes the stage to introduce Emily and Clayton Miller, the parents of Mabry, a two-year old little girl with spina bifida. The young couple tells us how riding an Amtryke led to Mabry making her first unaided step. By the time they finish, there isn’t a dry eye in the house.

The $85,000 raised tonight will help more little girls like Mabry take their first step, a military veteran and paraplegic Rick Evans have mobility freedom and young ladies like Elisa Brown ride her tryke to work at the Wilmington Island Kroger. 

This three-wheeled adaptive bike is custom designed to each rider, and has been given to over 700 people with different abilities. When I say that one person can make a difference, I see evidence of this every time Kevin Sheehan asks the community to support this noble cause. 

Savannah shows up! Well done sir! 

This article appears in Connect Savannah | July 2023.