ETSU Coach Ezell to speak at Red Legacy Recovery gala
Published 9:12 am Monday, September 7, 2015
In an evening of elegance honoring and furthering women’s success overcoming addiction, Red Legacy Recovery is hosting its fourth annual Red Carpet Gala at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, Sept. 11.
Featured guest Brittany Ezell, ETSU Women’s basketball head coach, was selected as the keynote speaker for her positive outlook and for instilling in her athletes many of the same values that Red Legacy teaches their clients like self confidence, positive relationship building and goal setting.
“She’s an incredible individual and a great asset to our community,” said Red Legacy Executive Director Angelee Murray.
The night will begin with a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner, a fashion show and speakers at 6:30. After dinner, Jason Blevins of Randall Birchfield Real Estate and Auction will host a live auction offering a few of the most valuable or desirable silent auction items.
The event theme “Masquerade — Everyone Hides Behind a Mask!” draws attention to the fact that everyone has a mask they hide behind, whether it is low self-esteem, depression or lack of positive relationships.
“We want to show that we are all one-in-the-same and that we all have problems, insecurities and challenges,” said Murray. “We have to learn to take that mask off and face those challenges head on.”
The gala raises 75 percent of Red Legacy Recovery’s funding for the year and is a very important event for the continued success of their program. RLR has assisted over 200 women who came voluntarily seeking rehabilitation, intervention and other addiction recovery services. Its mission is to “empower women that are in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction with the skills to become self-confident, self-sufficient and employed.”
“They come out of their own free will desiring positive change in their lives,” said Murray.
In the spirit of self-confidence, approximately 10 women from RLR and from within the community will model attire from Shellz Apparel in the Gala Fashion Show. Men from local organizations and businesses like the Elizabethton City Council, the ETSU Athletic Department and Edward Jones will escort the models down the runway.
Michelle Garber, owner of Shellz apparel provides tbe attire annually for the gala.
Dinner will be served for 100 pre-registered guests in the Grand Soldiers Ballroom.
The silent auction will feature around 55 items ranging in value from $25 to $500 from donors like the Little City Bike Collective, Pearl’s Quilts and Sewing, UT Football and Healthy Solutions Therapeutic Massage. The LCBC is donating a bicycle, and if $300 is raised, they will donate another bike to a RLR client. Collective packages are available including an array of gift certificates to dinner, events and hotels.
Tickets are $50 and may be purchased by visiting the event page on Facebook titled “4th Annual Red Carpet Gala!” For more information, call Murray at 704-689-5091.
Sponsors are Citizens Bank, Evidence Based Addiction Medicine, Sycamore Shoals Hospital, Riddle, Hyder and Buck Attorneys, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Kris Yarlett, Pure Romance by Deanna Irick, Finishing Touch Auto body, Tennessee Office Supply and Synergy X Fitness.