Erica Bryant hosts Patriot Gala 2011

None — It was an exciting evening for the fifth annual Patriot Gala held Saturday, November 5 at Quail Hollow Club. Charlotte's premier black-tie fundraiser is organized every year by The Patriot Charities, a local Charlotte grass-roots non-profit organization. Their mission is to raise funds to financially assist non-profit organizations and local programs within the Carolinas concerned with the immediate welfare, care and support for our military and their families wounded in ongoing military operations.

This year's event sold out well in advance, with the goal being to donate $100,000 from this year's Patriot Gala to support their mission. A very enthusiastic and giving audience more than doubled this goal.

The most moving moment for the crowd was the bidding to complete a home for Sergeant Carlos Evans and his wife Rosemarie. Sergeant Evans, a young Marine who lost both legs and a hand in an IED explosion in Afghanistan, shared his story with the crowd before the bidding began. The crowd responded to his sacrifice with group bidding which raised the $30,000 necessary to complete a new specially equipped home for the Evans family in Fayetteville and raised an additional $56,400 for a home in the Charlotte area for a local wounded warrior in 2012.

NC Representative Sue Myrick gave a powerful tribute to our fallen warriors from the Carolinas, followed by a 21-gun salute and taps. Charlotte City Councilman Andy Dulin served as the official toastmaster.

Guests were treated to two dynamic speakers. Command Sergeant Major Jim Champagne, who has served in every enlisted position from rifleman to CSM. He is a veteran of Operation Support Hope, Uganda, Operation Enduring Freedom I, Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom I and V, Iraq, and Operation New Dawn, Iraq. Sergeant First Class John Wayne Walding, a Green Beret who is a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart recipient and was born on the 4th of July. SFC Walding lost a leg to enemy sniper fire, returned to the United States, attended sniper school himself after becoming a single amputee and graduated at the top of his class. He then became a sniper instructor.

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The evening included the finest in wine and food plus live and silent auctions.

Diamonds Direct, a longtime Gala supporter wowed the ladies with the Sparkling Swag Diamond Raffle. The Ernst & Young Live Auction featured one-of-a-kind items such as a tandem parachute jump courtesy of The Ranger Group and a fantastic trip to Italy courtesy of Nada's Italy. The auctioneers were Eddie Case and Ernest Perry.

The evening ended with the sounds of Peace & Love. The memorable night reminded guests the importance of supporting our warriors as they fight for our country.

The Patriot Gala 2012 will be  November 3 at Quail Hollow Club. Elizabeth Dole will be the keynote speaker. Tickets may be reserved by emailing info@patriotcharities.org or call  704.496.2794. Visit patriotcharities.org for more information.

WSOC