You continued on through Italy, inspired by Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, the venue of the first Purple Pansies Fundraisers. Guests were encouraged to steal a meatball through the window of the Trattoria and help themselves to Prosecco and Charcuterie from the region. Tony Fundora was there with us in spirit and honored with his portrait.

France was a mere step away, to represent all of the wonderful support we receive from our Wine Distribution sponsors. Guests picked through cheeses and a full parmesan wheel from our Fromagerie, and stepped forward to enjoy wine tasting in a vineyard. Pepe and his fellow Sommelier’s were on hand to provide tastings in commemorative glasses that guests were able to take home.

The incomparable Dave Price kicked off the program in style with his quick wit and wisdom, followed by a blessing from Father Rafaello. Maria then took to the stage to highlight the strength of our passion for our mission, 15 years and going strong.

The program continued with Scholarship Ambassador Jenna presenting stories on behalf of the Scholarship Awardee’s and an incredibly moving speech from Dave Price honoring his brother. Dave then led our moment to acknowledge the survivors in the room, and eternal lights were lit to highlight each one.

To finish the program we were so very honored to have Dr. Von Hoff in the house this year. He graciously awarded this year’s Bill Palmer award to the wonderful and gorgeous Erin Massey.

The Journey started in Cuba, the home of Maria’s mother Iluminada, whose passing from pancreatic cancer led Maria Fundora to found Purple Pansies. Thanks again to Jose for his amazing authentic Cuban appetizers and coffee.

As you entered the main ballroom you could turn right to Arizona, home state of TGen, such a key partner in our story. Thanks to Chris Sedgwick, you could join the queue for the full-sized food truck to enjoy amazing food from Pure Taqueria. After guests had perused the extensive silent auction in the chandelier lit corner of the ballroom, they turned and were treated to a rural US farm stand, representing our home base here in Alpharetta, Georgia. Pennie delighted us with her diverse and delicious bites.

Finally, it was a ‘hop over the pond’ back to New York, original home state of our Director of Operations, Janice Chalovich, fighting in honor of her father who she lost to pancreatic cancer. After our guests had grazed their way around our world, they were invited to their seats for the evening program.

We paused the program for a Casa Nuova Entree and Dessert complete with wine pairings, then continued on into the exciting Live Auction led by our effervescent ‘Rocktioneer’ Seth.

The giving then continued with the ‘Paddles for the Pancreas’ and ‘Last Paddle Standing’ which raised more on the night than ever before. The golden ticket was then drawn, much to Donna’s delight.

The evening concluded with music filling the ballroom as we all queued up to collect our silent auction goodies. A fantastic night was had by all and set a very high bar for our 2025 Gala.