The sold-out Savannah Carnaval was held at the Plant Riverside District on July 31, benefitting Richmond Hill-based non-profit SD Gunner Fund, which assists veterans, children with disabilities and first responders.
Organizers said Savannah Carnaval raised more than $103,000.
Guests enjoyed live music by LPT Band, dancing with Savannah Latin Dance, Capoeira performances by Grupo Cabana Capoeira, and jaw-dropping acrobatics from Savannah Cirque.
The event boasted the Coastal Empire's Largest Rock, Paper, Scissors contest, crowning Brett Baker of VAUSA as the 2021 Carnaval King. It was brought to new heights with a levitation performance by magician David Jowers followed by a special recognition honoring Richard C. Kessler with the SD Gunner Fund Legacy Award. The award was designed by Kristen Baird and decorated with garnet, blue topaz and white sapphire gemstones.
The fun-filled evening finished with a speed-live auction emceed by I-95: The Rock of Savannah's Renee LaSalle and Plant Riverside District’s Director of Entertainment Tyler Gray, raising over $28,000 in just 20 minutes. Guests enjoyed specialty signature cocktails by United Distributing, including Jackson Family Wines and Villa Sandi Prosecco, and culinary tastings from the acclaimed chefs at Plant Riverside District.
The SDGF mission and Savannah Carnaval are made possible by a community of volunteers and sponsors. SD Gunner Fund would like to thank the following major sponsors: The Kessler Collection, Plant Riverside District, Seabolt Real Estate, Teresa Cowart Team Remax Accent, Cathleen Barela & Associates, Eddie DeLoach and Tidewater USA, and Lisette Riccelli of Agenda Latina.
“As the Director of Savannah Carnaval, it was always a hope and dream to build something that pushes over that $100,000 mark," said Jessica Belfry, SD Gunner Fund board member and Savannah Carnaval founder. "I am still in awe that we were able to accomplish this goal in just our third year of the event. But when I consider the generous support that we received in sponsorships and volunteering, coupled with the multicultural guest and talent list, it is evident that this event has merely broken the ice for bigger things to come,”
All proceeds from ticket sales and the live auction will be used to fulfill the organization's 2021 mission of fully funding a local triple amputee veteran with a service dog and supporting the children and families of veterans and first responders during the holiday season. The group says that over the last seven years, the SD Gunner Fund has changed the lives of more than 33,000 children and veterans.