The Signal Mountain Community Guild held its 53rd annual Dogwood Luncheon at the Signal Mountain Country Club in April to honor the Woman of the Year and raise funds for its high school senior scholarship, which is awarded every May. The event was a great success, attended by over 100 women who came together to celebrate the achievements of the Woman of the Year and support the spirit of community the Guild promotes.
Diane Gallagher, an active and involved resident of the mountain for several decades with her husband, Bill, and their children, was recognized as the 2023 Woman of the Year.
Growing up outside the mountain, she learned life’s important lessons of hard work, family loyalty, giving of oneself and volunteering to help others from her own mother.
The Woman of the Year chair, Leah Gallant, upon presenting the award, said, “The dictionary defines ‘service’ as ‘work done for others’ and the word ‘dedication’ as ‘wholehearted devotion.’ Diane embodies these definitions. She also practices her faith, which teaches that what we have been given in life must be shared with those in need. She has made a deep footprint of good deeds in our community and one that challenges us to follow.”
“I just can’t believe it,” Gallagher said, when presented with the 2023 Woman of the Year plaque.
“I am thankful for the many opportunities I have been given to serve and volunteer for so many worthy causes with such wonderful people,” she continued. “I look out at each of you here today and am thankful to call you my friends. You simply amaze me.”
Attendees also enjoyed a presentation from the event’s guest speaker, Signal Mountain town manager, Elaine Brunelle, who shared her insights on an illustrious career as a veteran and commanding Navy officer. Brunelle concluded her remarks with the motto, “rise above,” inspiring the attendees with great enthusiasm.
“I am energized to go out and do. I feel very empowered,” said Aileen Litwin, attending the luncheon for the second year in a row.
The Dogwood Luncheon kicked off with a fun cocktail hour, during which guests enjoyed a selection of offerings from various vendor tables from businesses in the greater-Chattanooga area. Attendees also had the opportunity to peruse over 25 baskets for silent auction, each filled with hundreds of dollars worth of goods and services donated by area businesses and attractions. All funds raised from the silent auction directly support the Guild’s high school senior scholarship award.
The $1,000 dollar award has been helping graduating high school seniors achieve their dreams of higher education for many years, and the annual luncheon is a crucial fundraising event to support this worthy cause.
“This year’s Dogwood Luncheon was a huge success, thanks to the generosity of so many volunteers and members of our business community,” said Amanda England, 2023 Dogwood Luncheon chair. “It is heartening to see so many women come together to honor the achievements of our Woman of the Year and support the next generation of scholars. We are grateful to Ms. Brunelle and all the generous donors who helped make this event a success.
by Corina Lopes
Diane Gallagher, an active and involved resident of the mountain for several decades with her husband, Bill, and their children, was recognized as the 2023 Woman of the Year.
Growing up outside the mountain, she learned life’s important lessons of hard work, family loyalty, giving of oneself and volunteering to help others from her own mother.
The Woman of the Year chair, Leah Gallant, upon presenting the award, said, “The dictionary defines ‘service’ as ‘work done for others’ and the word ‘dedication’ as ‘wholehearted devotion.’ Diane embodies these definitions. She also practices her faith, which teaches that what we have been given in life must be shared with those in need. She has made a deep footprint of good deeds in our community and one that challenges us to follow.”
“I just can’t believe it,” Gallagher said, when presented with the 2023 Woman of the Year plaque.
“I am thankful for the many opportunities I have been given to serve and volunteer for so many worthy causes with such wonderful people,” she continued. “I look out at each of you here today and am thankful to call you my friends. You simply amaze me.”
Attendees also enjoyed a presentation from the event’s guest speaker, Signal Mountain town manager, Elaine Brunelle, who shared her insights on an illustrious career as a veteran and commanding Navy officer. Brunelle concluded her remarks with the motto, “rise above,” inspiring the attendees with great enthusiasm.
“I am energized to go out and do. I feel very empowered,” said Aileen Litwin, attending the luncheon for the second year in a row.
The Dogwood Luncheon kicked off with a fun cocktail hour, during which guests enjoyed a selection of offerings from various vendor tables from businesses in the greater-Chattanooga area. Attendees also had the opportunity to peruse over 25 baskets for silent auction, each filled with hundreds of dollars worth of goods and services donated by area businesses and attractions. All funds raised from the silent auction directly support the Guild’s high school senior scholarship award.
The $1,000 dollar award has been helping graduating high school seniors achieve their dreams of higher education for many years, and the annual luncheon is a crucial fundraising event to support this worthy cause.
“This year’s Dogwood Luncheon was a huge success, thanks to the generosity of so many volunteers and members of our business community,” said Amanda England, 2023 Dogwood Luncheon chair. “It is heartening to see so many women come together to honor the achievements of our Woman of the Year and support the next generation of scholars. We are grateful to Ms. Brunelle and all the generous donors who helped make this event a success.
by Corina Lopes
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