For our one year anniversary of incorporation, we knew that we wanted to do something BIG, some way of saying “thank you” to all of those who have shown their support over the last 12 months, and to show our enthusiasm for the many years to come. After much back and forth, we finally settled on the 1st Annual Warriors Ball.
Our first decision was the venue, which turned out to be an easy one – the historic Ballroom at the American Legion. Not only is the ballroom a beautiful space, but the reverence of the setting to our military and veterans was perfect for an organization born of battle, both at home and abroad.
Next, we settled on the catering for the event, and it was any easy choice to select The Dive Savannah. Led by Kristy Crill, this service based organization not only serves top-notch food, but they are also instrumental in giving back to numerous homeless veterans in our community.
We initially planned on 100 seats for our guests, but after selling out with two weeks to spare, we increased our capacity to 150, and then AGAIN to 190, and AGAIN sold out two days before the event! Needless to say, we were amazed, humbled, and incredibly grateful.
Our sponsors truly came out in full force for the event. Group tables were sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars – District 7, Nine Line Apparel, Ashford Exterminating, Mission 22 & Two Pilots Distillery, Ranger Rick & Friends a.k.a. Through Tragedy Comes Light, Step One Automotive, Synergistic Software, and members of the Veterans Council of Savannah.
Our raffle table was packed SOLID, with items donated by Two Pilots Distillery, Nine Line Apparel, Sanders Fine Portraits, Bronca Apparel, Step One Automotive, JD’s Creations, AOG Woodwerx, Chris’s Chainsaw Carved Creations, Savage Veterans Paddle Group, 30 Seconds Woodworking, The Witching Hour ghost tours, Flip Flop Shops, and many, many more!
Finally, the night arrived. On Friday, July 30th, our board and supporters gathered in our finest attire on a warm summer evening in the beautiful historic Savannah, Georgia. South magazine gave our guests the red carpet treatment, with a photographer snapping our guests in front of the photo backdrop as they walked in the door. Our friends Bunny Ware of Savannah Morning News and Alexander Neumann from Savannah Magazine were also onsite, mingling with the guests and capturing candid shots throughout the event.
Amy Headrick, our Outreach Coordinator, opened the evening with a warm welcome to our guests. After our opening pledge, prayer, and the national anthem, we honored those at our Fallen Warrior table. This table contained 10 seats, with each seat sponsored in memory of a different fallen warrior. We invited the seat sponsors to light the candles for their warriors, with each seat adorned with a photo of the warrior, and the customary place setting.
Once the ceremony concluded, it was time to party!
The Dive served up a delicious bread bar with from scratch rolls and assorted homemade spreads, for our guests to enjoy before the main course – rosemary roasted chicken with herb stuffing, maple cream sauce, cranberry-apple chutney, mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans (YUM!). The buffet also included citrus infused water, and a DELICIOUS whiskey caramel apple crumble with vanilla drizzle for dessert.
Once our guests were wined and dined, our beloved President and Founder, Miranda Briggs, took the stage. Miranda shared the story of her own loss, of our founding, and the incredible impact our organization has made over the past year. We raised our glasses to those we had lost, and to those who continued to fight the good fight.
Next up was our Director of Technology, Ashli Clubine, who recognized event sponsors and those organizations who have supported our event over the last year. As she wrapped up her speech, Ashli announced a surprise award presentation. Unbeknownst to Miranda, the other members of the Executive Board has voted to establish an annual Warrior of the Year Award, and designated Miranda as this year’s recipient!
Then, in ANOTHER surprise move, Miranda presented surprise plaques to the board members, as recognition for their year of service to the Foundation. We were also honored to present a surprise contribution to Stryke Team, one of our most active partner organizations, who have responded to numerous requests by our team, for emergency interventions.
The evening concluded with raffle drawings, numerous toasts, and a LOT of dancing. In total, we were able to raise almost $6,000 for our organization in a single evening, and we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who has shown their support over this last year, and in the years to come!
One step at a time, we are making a difference.
One day at a time, we are saving lives.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out. Show up. Make the call.
That is why we are here, and why we do what we do.
Fight on, warriors.
Photo Credits
Connect Savannah – https://www.connectsavannah.com/savannah/fight-the-war-within-annual-warriors-ball/Slideshow/16854018/16854075
Savannah Magazine – https://savannahmagazine.smugmug.com/Public-Images/Fight-the-War-Within-Foundation-Warriors-Ball-Gala-2021/i-k89FQn7
South Magazine – https://southmagazine.smugmug.com/Events-2021/1st-Annual-Warriors-Ball-July-2021/
Fight the War Within Foundation © 2020 
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