There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our periodic News & Notes.
Upcoming Events
United Way of the Coastal Empire honoring top three corporate donors with a series of recognition events
Who: United Way of the Coastal Empire
When: Monday, April 15 at 11 a.m.
Where: Georgia Ports Authority | 2 Main Street, Garden City
What: UWCE is honoring the top three local companies that each contribute more than half a million dollars. Colonial Group, Inc., Georgia Ports Authority, and Gulfstream Aerospace will be individually honored for their contributions to the 2023-2024 United Way Campaign during special recognition events, the first of which will take place April 15.
Liberty International Film Festival
Who: Liberty International Film Festival (sponsored by The Liberty County Convention and Visitors Center)
When: May 4
Where: The Liberty County Performing Arts Center
What: Over 100 films were submitted from all over the world with categories for K-8, high school, college, and professional and independent filmmakers.
A total of 37 films will be screened from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm with an awards ceremony at 8:00 p.m. The event will have food trucks on site.
Tickets can be purchased at www.filmfreeway.com/liff-ga/tickets or can be purchased at the door. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Ticket holders can watch as many or as few of the films as they desire. For more information, visit: www.liff-ga.com
April Happenings at Thompson Savannah
- Cocktail Tasting + Book Signing with Paul Feinstein: Thompson Savannah is excited to welcome award-winning food and travel writer Paul Feinstein, for an exclusive cocktail demonstration in celebration of his new book, Italy cocktails: An Elegant Collection of Over 100 Recipes Inspired by Italia. The event will feature a cocktail tasting flight featuring five recipes from Paul’s book, expertly paired canapes from the fleeting culinary team and Executive Chef, Victoria Shore and a signed copy of Paul’s Book. This event will take place on April 27th from 2-4pm at Thompson Savannah’s Sunroom and is 21+. There will be limited space so make sure to buy a ticket here.
- The Pool is open! Spend your summer poolside at Thompson Savannah's Pool Deck, an urban oasis where the Historic District meets the Eastern Wharf. The splash pool's in-water loungers strike the perfect balance between refreshing and relaxation, where you can order bar service and bites from the comfort of your lounger. Enjoy a curated beverage menu and a summer inspired food menu alongside the sounds of DJ Miss Paradise (Sat + Sun 12p-6p).
- Katherine Sandoz Lobby Art Installation: On April 18th, Katherine Sandoz art will be installed in Thompson Savannah’s Lobby for guests viewing pleasure. Sandoz graduated Mount Holyoke College with a BA in French and a BA in international relations in 1991. After serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, she relocated to Savannah, earning her MFA in illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 1997. She worked at SCAD as a professor of illustration from 1997-2005 and attained an MFA in painting in 2005.
- Cocktails for Casa with Aria Janel at Bar Julian: On Thursday, April 25th from 5-7pm, local WTOC Anchor Aria Janel will be raising Money for CASA ahead of her participation in Savannah Dancing with the Stars. 20% of your Bar Julian purchase will be donated towards Aria’s fundraising campaign for Dancing with the Stars Savannah, benefitting Brightside Child and Family Advocacy. Now you can enjoy Mediterranean Bites, curated craft cocktails, and take in sweeping Savannah city views all while knowing your money is supporting a meaningful organization. RSVP here
Savannah Tree Foundation to celebrate program expansion, local tree advocate at annual Green Gala fundraiser
The sustainable soiree will highlight the Foundation’s innovative new programs and honor 2024 Tree Champion Audrey Platt
Who: Savannah Tree Foundation
When: SATURDAY | APRIL 20 | 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm EST
Where: Tiedeman Park @ Atlantic Avenue
What: Savannah Tree Foundation (STF) is hosting the third annual Green Gala on April 20th at Tiedeman Park. This year’s event is presented by Dulany Industries, who has partnered with Savannah Tree Foundation to build a Community Tree Nursery at SeaPoint Industrial Terminal Complex to boost the Foundation’s tree planting and distribution efforts.
The Green Gala will celebrate Chatham County’s urban forest and raise funds to support the organization’s regional tree planting and community outreach programs. The night will also highlight the new Community Tree Nursery and STF’s latest program, the Chatham Canopy Corps Apprenticeship. The organization has doubled in size in the past twelve months and is excited to share new updates with supporters and the community.
STF will also honor longtime supporter and community leader Audrey Platt as the 2024 Tree Champion. Platt has led decades-long efforts to protect and restore Forsyth Park as well as other green spaces throughout Savannah.
The event will start at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a four-course dinner and a presentation honoring 2024 Tree Champion Audrey Platt.
“We are excited to honor Audrey Platt this year. She is a longtime supporter of Savannah Tree Foundation and, more importantly, she has been a driving force behind protecting and beautifying green spaces throughout Savannah for several decades,” Rinker adds, “We also look forward to sharing more about all the exciting changes and new programs STF is debuting in the coming months. It has been a banner year for the organization. We have much to celebrate and many people to thank!”
Abbie DeLoach Foundation 2024 scholarship luncheon
Who: The Abbie DeLoach Foundation (ADF) is having its annual scholarship luncheon to celebrate and reveal its Scholarship Class of 2024. This class is the foundation’s 8th recipient class.
When: Friday, April 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Savannah Golf Club, 1661 East President St.
What: Attendees from the community, along with members of the DeLoach family and friends of ADF, will celebrate the good works of 21 recipients that make up the ADF Scholarship Class of 2024. Each recipient has demonstrated academic excellence, exemplary service work and/or athletic commitment. The luncheon is ADF’s premier event and fundraiser.
As April is national distracted driving month, ADF encourages drivers to make a commitment to drive phone-free by taking the #HandsFreeForAbbie Pledge. Visit HandsFreeForAbbie.com for more details to get involved.
Abbie’s favorite bible verse is Romans 8:28, which reads, “All things work together for good for those who love God.” The three pillars of ADF – nursing and health, student athletes and outreach abroad – embody Abbie’s passions and direct the organization’s efforts to perform good works in her memory. ADF’s mission thrives on the generosity and compassion of its donors. To contribute, individuals are encouraged to visit the foundation’s "Give Now" page.
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society set for 15th annual Night of Champions and hiring expo May 3
Who: The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society
When: Friday, May 3 from 6–11 p.m.
Where: Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island
What: The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society has announced the 15th
annual Night of Champions Cocktail hour begins at 6:00 pm, dinner and ceremony will follow.
The Night of Champions event recognizes area businesses that employ differently-abled adults, including those with Down syndrome, and celebrates the contributions made by these employees.
Companies with job openings for adults with different abilities will be available at the Hiring Expo.
“The Night of Champions isn’t just about recognizing employers; it also offers them a stage to highlight the invaluable contributions made by individuals with diverse abilities in the workforce,” commented LDSS President Joe Marchese. “It’s a chance to get to know people with various abilities and, ultimately, cultivate a deep appreciation for their talents.”
The LDSS emphasizes that this event goes beyond an awards ceremony, it’s also a hiring opportunity, celebrating the boundless potential within each individual.
Night of Champions showcases the transformative outcomes of embracing differently-abled individuals in the workforce. In addition to hearing success stories from recognized businesses, attendees gain firsthand insight into the benefits of inclusive hiring and have the opportunity to network with potential employees.
The event will conclude with the closure of the silent auction and item pickup, followed by the Hiring Expo. Guests can also enjoy gourmet coffees, European desserts, and the opportunity to meet and mingle with past Champions and perhaps even find their future champions!
“The success of Night of Champions is directly tied to local organizations that create opportunities for people to demonstrate their desire to work and make valued contributions to their community,” Marchese said. “These Champions are throughout our community, including a local quick-service restaurant owner who’s had great success since hiring a person for each of his multiple locations as well as a local physician hiring a young man with different abilities who is still exceeding exceptions ten years later! We hope the achievements of these champions in the workforce will inspire more local organizations to take up the mission to light the way.”
To purchase your tickets and/or tables for this event, or to become a Night of Champions Sponsor, click here.
Local Updates
Enmarket Charity Classic raises $270,000, bringing 5-year total to $1 million
The Enmarket Charity Classic golf tournament returned to Savannah April 4, raising $270,000 for charity and driving the total raised over Enmarket’s 5-year sponsorship past the $1 million mark.
Achieving that milestone involved the efforts of 271 golfers and 115 companies participating in the 2024 Enmarket Charity Classic.
As in past years, this year’s proceeds will be split evenly between The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire, which is devoted to assisting the spouses and children of the area first responders killed in the line of duty, and Make-A-Wish Georgia, which grants the wishes of seriously ill children.
Sponsorship of the charity tournament is part of Enmarket’s sponsorship of the Club Car Championship, an annual pro golfing tournament at The Landings Club that ran from April 1 through April 7, 2024. The event was staged at the Marshwood and Magnolia courses at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club.
“We are excited to see our impact reach the $1 million milestone with this year’s Enmarket Charity Classic. It took a record-breaking performance from Enmarket and the communities we serve. Still, the quarter of a million dollars raised by this day-long event put us over the top,” said Matt Clements, Enmarket’s president. “The two organizations which will benefit from this funding are The 200 Club and Make-A-Wish Georgia, and Enmarket is proud to be associated with these fine efforts.”
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support from Enmarket and the community. Their commitment has been instrumental in helping us fulfill our mission of aiding the families of our fallen first responders. This significant milestone of $1 million raised over five years reflects the dedication and generosity of all involved,” said Mark Dana, president and CEO of the 200 Club.
Clements pointed out that Enmarket has a long-standing track record of supporting the community via various events, both with fund-raising and volunteer activities on the part of its more than 1,300 retail employees. The company also commits to making healthier choices available to its customers. He added that commitment is reflected in the active events Enmarket chooses to back, such as the golf tournament and the annual Enmarket Bridge Run.
Charity golf tournaments are a big part of the fundraising landscape in this country and account for $4 billion annually to benefit nonprofits, according to a GolfStatus executive writing for Nonprofit Tech for Good’s website.
Healthgrades names Memorial Health a 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient
Memorial Health announced that it has been recognized as a 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This achievement, along with numerous other accolades from Healthgrades for spine surgery, pacemaker and defibrillator procedures, GI surgery and sepsis, reflect Memorial Health’s dedication to providing a safe, high quality care experience for all patients.
“Patient safety is a top priority for all of us at Memorial Health. Our goal is to provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care for every patient,” said Brad Talbert, Memorial Health Chief Executive Officer. “We focus on patient safety every day and we are honored to be recognized by Healthgrades with the 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award.”
To determine the nation’s premier hospitals for patient safety, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates for approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Healthgrades’ analysis revealed marked declines in patient safety, particularly among the nation’s lowest-performing hospitals. As a result, patients who seek care at hospitals receiving the 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award have a significantly lower risk of experiencing one of the four leading patient safety indicators than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals:
In-hospital fall resulting in fracture (approximately 52% less likely)
Collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest (approximately 56% less likely)
Pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital (approximately 67% less likely)
Catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital (approximately 71% less likely)
“We’re proud to recognize Memorial Health for their commitment to ensuring a best-in-class hospital stay for all patients,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer and head of data sciences at Healthgrades. “Memorial Health’s success demonstrates the importance of patient safety and we look forward to their continued leadership in this critical area of patient care.”
