The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire — Savannah, Ga.’s leading organization dedicated to helping citizens proactively manage conflict — is delighted to host the 2024 Anchored in the Community fundraiser on Thursday, February 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Savannah Bottle Works, located at 411 W. Charlton St. 

“Anchored in the Community unites The Mediation Center’s staff, volunteers and business partners to celebrate service to the local community,” said Jill Cardenas, executive director of the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire. “We warmly invite supporters as well as anyone interested in learning more about The Mediation Center to join us for an amazing event and to help us celebrate exceptional local award winners.”

Formerly known as the Velvet Gala, this special event serves as a showcase of The Mediation Center’s services, providing strategic alternatives to litigation and increasing access to justice throughout coastal Georgia. Anchored in the Community helps fund The Mediation Center’s youth programs, mediations, training opportunities, professional services and the Family Law Resource Center.

The evening’s nautical-themed festivities will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Additional event highlights include hors d’oeuvres, dancing, raffle prizes, fun games and a photo booth.

Award winners recognized at the 2024 Anchored in the Community event will include:

• Domestic Mediator Award - Robert Rodatus

• General Civil Mediator Award - Carol McCarthy

• Lifetime Achievement Award - Jeanne Dent

• Innovator Award - Kelly Crosby

• Stellar Advocate for Youth: Guardian Ad Litem - Gwendolyn Fortson Waring

• Stellar Advocate for Youth - Janie Brodhead

• Attorney Appreciation Award - Jack Strother, Attorney at Law

• Attorney Appreciation Award - The Law Offices of Joseph J. Steffen Jr.

• Community Partnership Award - Resilient Coastal Georgia

• The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire Board Service Award - Adam Kirk

Tickets for Anchored in the Community are currently on sale for $100 per person at mediationsavannah.com.

 Anchored in the Community sponsorship opportunities are also available. Local businesses interested in sponsoring The Mediation Center’s annual fundraising event are encouraged to contact Megan Gosney at [email protected].