SAVANNAH, GA – February 12, 2018 – The Mediation Center of the Costal Empire recently hosted its inaugural “Velvet Gala” at Cohen’s Retreat.
Over 150 guests sampled appetizers and beverages – including the signature “Red Velvet Cake Martini” – while enjoying live music by Ricardo Ochoa & His Gypsy Jazz quartet. Kurt Hetager, emcee for the festivities, kept attendees entertained with lively banter and facilitated the raffle prize drawings. Proceeds raised from this event will benefit the Mediation Center’s Peer Mediation, Community Conferencing and Children of Peaceful Engagement youth programs.
During the gala, Mediation Center Executive Director Jill Cheeks recognized the following individuals with Volunteer Appreciation Awards for over 20 years of service: Betty A. Simmons, Howard Welt, Jerry P. Nusloch, Lee G. Hooper, Mark S. Cluett, Robert E. Nuemann and Robert Gordon.
“We had an absolute blast raising funds for important programs with our supporters at this event. It was also very special to recognize the volunteers and individuals who have helped our organization reach this point,” Cheeks said. “Our volunteers log a total of over 5,000 hours each year helping coastal citizens reach agreements and mediate over 900 cases per year, and it’s important that they be recognized.”
In addition, Cheeks also presented the following well-deserving individuals with various awards including:
- Anne Shafer, Lifetime Achievement Award – 500 cases mediated
- Bob Neumann, Lifetime Achievement Award – 600 cases mediated
- David Purvis, Domestic Attorney Appreciation Award
- James E. Kurhajian, Civil Attorney Appreciation Award
- Larry Kopczak, Mediator Appreciation Award – over 100 cases mediated in 2017
- Paul Johnson, Appreciation for Years of Board Service (2011-2017)
- Savannah Chatham County Public School System, Youth Collaboration Award
- SEIMITSU, Business Partner of the Year
- Sherman Miller, Lifetime Achievement Award – 400 cases mediated
- Susannah Pedigo, Stellar Advocate for Youth
The Mediation Center’s team of experienced mediators are trained to help residents in Chatham and surrounding counties. The organization’s reputation is built on over 30 years of integrity and expertise, with a high success rate in resolving thousands of disputes. The Mediation Center is proud to offer the highest quality mediation services to help people resolve disputes through resolution as an alternative to litigation.
The Children of Peaceful Engagement program, which will benefit from the funds raised from the Velvet Gala, teaches children who are going through stressful situations how to cope with their anger and other emotions. They’re taught to manage their responses using proven engagement strategies that focus on understanding and emotional learning.
Additional youth programs offered by this organization, set to benefit from this event, include Peer Mediation training and peer-to-peer mediations in schools, Community Conferencing collaboration with Juvenile Court, juvenile mediations, and parent/child mediations.
For more information about the Mediation Center or the programs offered, please visit mediationsavannah.com.
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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or Lesley Francis at lesley@francis.com at 912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).