Aug. 10 – SD Gunner Fund brings in over $100,000 for Service Dogs at 2021 Savannah Carnaval | Non-Profit Organizations
Aug 10, 2021 – On Saturday July 31st, the award-winning, third annual Savannah Carnaval Plant took over Riverside District for the official taste of the Atlantic Building, including Savannah’s newest live music venue, District Live. The sold out show benefited the local nonprofit SD Gunner Fund, which helps veterans, children with disabilities, and first responders while raising awareness of disabilities through public education and advocacy.
Guests enjoyed the first comprehensive experience in the Atlantic Building of the Plant Riverside District, including live music by the LPT Band, dancing with Savannah Latin Dance, Capoeira performances by Grupo Cabana Capoeira and breathtaking acrobatics by Savannah Cirque. The event boasted the Coastal Empire’s largest rock, paper, scissors competition and crowned VAUSA’s Brett Baker as Carnival King 2021. The event was brought to a new climax with a levitation performance by magician David Jowers, followed by a special recognition, who honored Richard C. Kessler with the SD Gunner Fund Legacy Award.
The award was designed by Kristen Baird and adorned with garnet, blue topaz and white sapphire gemstones. The fun evening ended with a live speed auction led by Renee LaSalle of The Rock of Savannah and Tyler Gray, Director of Entertainment for Plant Riverside District, which raised over $ 28,000 in just 20 minutes. Guests enjoyed special United Distributing cocktails, including Jackson Family Wines and Villa Sandi Prosecco, as well as culinary tastings from renowned chefs in the Plant Riverside District.
The SDGF Mission and Savannah Carnaval are made possible by an incredible community of volunteers and sponsors. SD Gunner Fund would like to thank the following main sponsors: The Kessler Collection, Plant Riverside District, Seabolt Real Estate, Teresa Cowart Team Remax Accent, Cathleen Barela & Associates, Eddie DeLoach and Tidewater USA, and Lisette Riccelli of Agenda Latina. With their combined support, ticket sales, and evening activities, Savannah Carnaval raised more than $ 103,000.
“As the director of Savannah Carnaval, building something that surpasses the $ 100,000 mark has always been a hope and a dream. I am still impressed that we were able to achieve this goal in the third year of the event. But when I consider the generous support we have received through sponsorship and volunteering, coupled with the multicultural guest and talent list, it is obvious that this event only broke the ice for bigger things, ”said Jessica Belfry, chairman of the SD Gunner Fund member and Savannah Carnaval founder.
All proceeds from ticket sales and the live auction will be used to fulfill the organization’s 2021 mission to fully fund a local triple amputee veteran with a service dog and to support the children and families of veterans and first responders during the holiday season. In the past seven years, the SD Gunner Fund has changed the lives of more than 33,000 children and veterans.