Marny Needles & Madrina Ciano 

Tawnee Ward, Alex McWhirter & Marilyn Ward

Rick & Dawn Fletcher

Bob Anderson, Leslie & Kevin Ryan

T

his year, The Arc Gateway changed Wreaths of 
Joy to a new venue, the National Naval Aviation 
Museum, which was held on Thursday, November 
29. A lavish cocktail hour with an open bar on the 

Cabot Deck was held where guests had an opportunity to mingle 
and view the silent auction items and wreaths up for bid. Dinner 
was served by Classic City Catering in the atrium under the 
Blue Angels.

The evening’s program emcees were Melissa Rogers, Arc 

CEO, Sue Straughn from WEAR, and Brent Lane from Cat 
Country. Dan and Anjanette Rushing, with daughter Marianna, 
were the guest speakers, discussing their child who attends 
the Pearl Nelson Center for Child Development. Over forty 
donated wreaths were up for auction, as well as over fifty silent 
auction packages, which included a Fender Guitar donated by 
Blues Angel Music, six months of indoor cycling from the Ride 
Society, a Kenny Chesney signed guitar, multiple trip getaways, 
and much more. Barry Cole from Bere’ Jewelers donated several 
pieces from their inventory as a “Chance to Win” opportunity, 
and four separate live auctions were held. Wreath shaped 
macaroons were the selected dessert, donated by Emerald Coast 
Custom Cakes, and coffee was donated by DeLuna Coffee 
International. 

photos & story by

 

Kristina Wright 

Kellie Hardy & Shannon Weber Evans

   VIP Pensacola at Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum

Gala

January 2019   |   47

47-49 Event Wreaths for Joy.indd   1

12/27/18   3:18 PM