Carnival raises $103k for SD Gunner Fund service dogs charity
The sold-out Savannah Carnaval took place in the Plant Riverside District on July 31st and benefited the Richmond Hill-based nonprofit SD Gunner Fund, which serves veterans, children with disabilities and first responders.
Organizers said Savannah Carnaval raised more than $ 103,000.
The guests enjoyed live music by the LPT Band, danced 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. It was taken to new heights with a levitation performance by magician David Jowers, followed by a special recognition given by 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 a 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.
“As the director of Savannah Carnaval, building something that surpasses the $ 100,000 mark has always been a hope and a dream,” said Jessica Belfry, director of the SD Gunner Fund and founder of Savannah Carnaval. “I am still impressed that we managed to achieve this goal in the third year of the event. But when I look at the generous support we have received through sponsorship and volunteer work, coupled with the multicultural guest and talent list, it is obvious that this event only broke the ice for something bigger. ”
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. The group says the SD Gunner Fund has changed the lives of more than 33,000 children and veterans in the past seven years.