Virtual Paws for a Cause a success

The 11th annual Paws for a Cause gala looked a little different than the first 10.

Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event put on jointly by the Trussville City Schools Foundation and the Trussville City Schools Athletic Foundation was moved to a virtual format. Kevin Holley of the Husky Fast Network produced the broadcast of the event from the Trussville Civic Center on Aug. 22, with Alan Taylor serving as the emcee once again.

Leslie Armstrong, Executive Director of the Trussville City Schools Foundation, said there were many people to thank for the gala being conducted despite the change in circumstances. The event was put together in just six weeks.

“I’m excited that it was as successful as it was, considering the circumstances,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong said what was expected to be a 45-minute broadcast went twice that long.

“It was just very exciting,” she said, noting how well Taylor did despite speaking to a camera in an otherwise empty room.

Argo Animal Clinic and Milam & Co. split the $10,000 Drawdown, and a silent auction was conducted digitally through the Auctria app. The auction was open for business from Aug. 20 through the evening of Aug. 22.

Much of the gala was made possible by a pair of title sponsors — Sargent-McDonald Team and M3 Performance and Physical Therapy — and four gold sponsors, Lee Marlow with Realty South, 4Africa, Trussville To Go and Milam & Co. There were also 22 silver sponsors.

In total, more than $34,000 was raised, with all proceeds split between the two foundations. At the July school board meeting, the TCSF opted to allocate the entirety of its share from the event back to the school system, to be used toward modifications and resources needed in light of COVID-19.

Other TCSF board members who played a large role in the event were President Jeremy Tuggle, Vice President Johnny Amari, Secretary Patrick Campbell, Treasurer Jasen White, Arrmon Carter, April Chamberlain, Melissa Donaldson, Heather Johnson, Lee Lesley, Lee Marlow, Cassandra Ridley, Kendra Rushing, Chris Theriot, Chamber of Commerce liaison Melissa Walker and Trussville City Schools liaison Sandra Vernon.

“We continue to work for Trussville City Schools, today, tomorrow and together,” Armstrong said.

TCSF also put together a corn hole tournament in late September, an event rescheduled from April.

For more information on the Trussville City Schools Foundation, email Armstrong at director@tcsf.org.