Put on your party best for the Emerald Celebration’s 30th anniversary

IIN THE 30 YEARS since its start, The Dublin Foundation’s Emerald Celebration has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, allowing the foundation to give out more than $375,000 in grants to nonprofits benefiting the Dublin area.

Lisa Garner, chairwoman of the 2012 Emerald Celebration, says the foundation is planning for an all-out gala Feb. 25 at the Columbus Marriott Northwest, where Garner is the general manager.

“Last year, it was a great event, and we’re looking forward to another great year – with a few surprises to make it even better than it was last year,” Garner says. “Our goal is to get 30 tables for the 30th (anniversary of the celebration) and we’re on track to hopefully accomplish that goal.”

Typically, between 200 and 300 people attend the annual celebration, and Garner says 100 RSVPs had been received by Jan. 15 – before the invitations were sent out.

Social hour begins at 6:30 p.m. and dinner begins at 7:45. The Paradise Island Band, a six-piece dance band that plays everything from classic rock to current hits, is booked for the celebration. A photo booth will allow guests to snap pictures while wearing their very best. The dress code is “party attire.” In addition, attendees can participate in a silent auction.

For $7,500, patron sponsors get the opportunity to showcase their company, publicity and recognition at the celebration and a table for 10. Corporate tables of 10 are available for $1,500. Individual tickets are $100 apiece.

The honorees for this year’s Emerald Celebration are Herbert Warren Jones and Leona M. Jones. Honorees must be community volunteers who have either resided or worked in the Dublin area for an extended time, and their contributions should benefit the overall community in many ways. Those chosen may not currently hold an elected position.

Herbert and Leona have been married for 52 years and part of the Dublin community for more than 60 years. Leona helped start the Ladies Auxiliary and was president of the Dublin Volunteer Fire Department in the 1960s. Herb was part of the Dublin Charter Commission that helped transition Dublin’s form of government from strong mayor to city manager in the late 1970s. He has also been ambassador for the Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau (as has Leona), a member of the Dublin Chamber Commission and a member of the cemetery commission. The Joneses are active in the Dublin Historical Society, and Herb is known as the “go to” man for anyone with a question about Dublin history.

In April 2010, Dublin City Council presented the Joneses with the President of the United States Call to Service Award for their more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service.

For more information, visit www.dublinfoundation.org or call Garner at 614791-1000.