30th Annual Shepherd Center Legendary Party Breaks Records, Raising $6.2 Million

The 30th Annual Shepherd Center Legendary Party was truly a night to treasure. The night -- dedicated to honoring Alana and Harold Shepherd, Atlanta’s most admired philanthropic couple -- sparkled and shined above all others.

Event chairs Ruth Dobbs Anthony and her daughters, Gena Bryant Chalfa and Leslie Bryant Jackson, announced in unison that the event raised a record-breaking $6.2 million to support Shepherd Center’s world-renowned continuum of care. The sold-out crowd of 650 guests rose to their feet in a standing ovation to cheer and celebrate this unprecedented amount.

James Shepherd, whose 1973 accident led to the founding of Shepherd Center, welcomed attendees and remarked, “Your presence is the greatest tribute to my parents and they would like to express their gratitude to you for being here.”

Co-chair Ruth Dobbs Anthony said, “Tony Conway’s Legendary Events team has made the evening beautiful and brilliant just like Alana and Harold Shepherd. It has been my life’s honor to recognize the Shepherds this year.”

The co-chairs went on to say that the evening was all about giving back to the family that has always given back to so many. The co-chairs represent three generations of the Dobbs family’s support of and involvement with Shepherd Center. Mrs. Anthony, a member of the Board of Trustees, also thanked her husband Tom Anthony for his support, her son Austin, her friends and family who traveled from near and far, and the Shepherd Center Foundation staff.

Presenting sponsors included Fred V. Alias, Mary Ann and Bill Becker, Elaine and John Carlos, Peter A. Dames and family, Jane Woodruff, Ed Voyles Automotive and The Home Depot Foundation. Platinum Sponsors included Elizabeth and Carl Allen, Sandra and Larry Prince, The Ruth & Talmage Dobbs, Jr. Foundation, Cox Enterprises, Delta Air Lines and Genuine Parts Company. Proceeds from the evening will go to the newly established Alana and Harold Shepherd Fund to benefit the Shepherd Center’s Recreation Therapy and Animal-Assisted Therapy programs.

Vic Pentz, retired senior pastor of Peachtree Presbyterian Church and dear friend of the Shepherd family, gave the blessing and Vanessa Quillao of the Powerhouse Group performed a rendition of Gloria Estefan’s “Coming Out of the Dark” that was dedicated to the Shepherd family.

Guests then dined in the beautiful ballroom that featured jewel-toned sequined tablecloths and runners, crystal and peacock blue chargers, and glistening aquamarine beaded curtains. Stunning centerpieces included roses, hydrangeas, and peonies. The exquisite dinner included an autumnal salad, grilled beef tenderloin served with pimento cheese grits, okra chips, sautéed chard, charred corn and heirloom tomato salad, and for dessert, a dazzling mousse dome, a chocolate brownie topped with chocolate mousse and coated in white chocolate, garnished with glitter and fresh berries and a raspberry sauce.

After dinner, guests filled the sparkling dance floor and danced the night away to the live band Powerhouse Group. Shepherd Center’s next generation of supporters arrived for the Legendary Late Night afterparty where guests enjoyed light bites and a dessert buffet. Their entertainment included a karaoke band, Rock Mayhem, and major college football games that were shown on flat screen televisions.

Written by Laurie Coleman, Susan Tucker and Leslie Jackson