A Benning Black Tie Affair Te National Infantry Museum prepares for its 3rd annual Gala by Sarah Cook P
ut on your dancing shoes and swing back to the days of flappers, silent movies and speakeasies for the third annual black tie National Infantry Museum Silent Auction and
Gala on Saturday, August 18. The theme for this year’s gala is “Benning Beginnings.” It will cel-
ebrate the long and rich history between Columbus and Fort Ben- ning with a special emphasis on the early years—the 1920s. When the war department established the Fort Benning post in 1922, World War I was coming to a close, and the Columbus area, along with the rest of the country, was experiencing newfound peace and prosperity. It was during this time that Fort Benning grew and flourished from a small tent encampment into a solid military post. The Gala will mimic this prosperous and optimistic feel. Hydrangeas, white wicker and wrought iron will be the décor of
the night, evoking an old southern garden party. Cheese grits and other classic southern dishes will be featured on the menu along with a surprise dessert. “It’s going to be a dessert not to be missed,” says Jane Bayer, associate director of development for the museum. The cocktail reception and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. fol-
lowed by dinner at 7 p.m. Ten, Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will provide the tunes for the evening so guests can hit the dance floor. “It’ll be a real fun and upbeat atmosphere,” says Bayer. The 1775 Society, the museum’s membership organization, hosts
the event each year to raise money for the museum. Since there is no general admission cost and it is not government funded, the museum relies on events like the gala and silent auction to support its many programs. “Tis museum was built to honor soldiers, and we have to raise
money to do that,” Bayer says. Last year the event netted about $70,000. Some of the silent auction items include a week at a villa in Italy,
exotic pearls from Thailand, an ocean resort vacation package and footballs autographed by Gene Chizik, Nick Saban and Mark Richt. After the dinner and silent auction, guests will be invited to dance the night away as if they were at a Saturday night jazz club. Last year’s theme for the annual fundraiser was a tribute to the
Vietnam era veterans and featured popular music from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Tis year, Bayer says they are going back to a more elegant feel. “We try to make it evocative of the era we’re spotlighting,” says Bayer. Ticket cost is $150 each. Attendees are encouraged to purchase
their tickets early, as there was a waiting list last year. Because the gala is the museum’s signature fundraiser, it is highly anticipated and often has active duty officers and their spouses in attendance, says Bayer. “The soldiers know that their mission is to defend our freedom,
and at the museum we believe that our mission is to say ‘thank you,’ and this is how we do it.” C
At a Glance
Te National Infantry Museum Gala 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus
August 18, 6 p.m.
Tickets $150 each, includes cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing
Reservations: Jane Bayer, 706-685-2604 or
jbayer@nationalinfantryfoundation.org
August 2012
Columbus and the Valley
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