Dear editor,

I salute the residents of Selma and surrounding counties, my friends in Florida, New York, Virginia, Ohio, and my dear relatives for the incredible work they did for the Gala In Pink and for our community.

My vision to unite our community in a charitable effort for the American Cancer Society was attained.

The Gala in Pink, a first-ever event, held at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center on Aug. 9, was not only a beautiful, elegant, incomparable affair, but a successful one.

Without the tireless, concerted efforts of the hardworking steering committee (Brenda Black, Sharon Bradley, Velma Brewer, Teresa Carter, Dorothy Collins, Jessica Ervin, Ronnie Harrison, Valeria Jones, Geraldine Martin, Audrey Smith and Traci Young) it could not have been realized.

At times when I was about to give up, encouragement would come out of nowhere. A mere phone call. A person would purchase a ticket. An organization would buy a table of eight. Someone would meet me in Walmart and say, “I was thinking of you this morning.”

Encouragement event came in attendance at the Blue Jean Church early one Sunday morning, where Pastor Bob spoke on brave hearts moving out of their comfort zone, or an article by Sara Robinson in the Times-Journal.

It took small, but impressionable acts of this nature for me to forge ahead while watching the calendar speed rapidly towards the expected date.

I consider it a great honor and privilege to salute all of the unsung heroes who commented, appeared on the program, volunteered services, crocheted lap blankets and baby clothes, made in-kind donations, the five ministers who prayed beneath the Tree of Life, owners and models of Allez-Oup, the chef, Mr. Owens and those who believed in me and just stood strong, urging me to the point of believing that it could be done. God is awesome that way. He sends angles to carry us and heal the bumps and bruises as we journey.

We started with only a dream, no cash. With your assistance, from donations and ticket sales, we raised $7,566.13. After minimal event expenses, we were able to forward $4,491.95 ($125 previously sent) to the American Cancer Society.

Thank you Selma for a non-competitive, non-political fundraising event. Thank you Selma for making a difference.

May God continue to bless us with His healing and our belief that our community and state can be cancer free.

Jewel White Thornton

Selma