Gala Event Planned to Celebrate 40th Anniversary of "Save the Fox" Campaign

Staff Report

This year, the Fox theatre is partnering with The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation for its annual preservation gala to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Save the Fox campaign that sparked the Atlanta preservation movement.

In 1974, the future of the legendary Fox Theatre was uncertain. Citizens rallied to “Save the Fox” and raised $3 million to restore the beloved Atlanta landmark, resulting in the Fox’s triumphant return in 1975 as an opulent performance venue.

“This celebration will honor those who kept the legend alive 40 years ago,” said Jay Myers, Fox Theatre event chair.”Because of these individuals and the help of our great community, we were able to rescue a landmark from demolition. We are proud to celebrate the board during the gala and to celebrate the city of Atlanta during the Block Party later this year.”

All founding board members will be honored during the event; they will receive an award. Attending board members include, Bill Allison, John Busby, Pat Connell, Rodney Cook, Clayton Farnham, Jim Goldin, Joe Patton and Preston Stevens.

This gala celebration is The Georgia Trust’s biggest fundraiser of the year and the Fox Theatre’s first major fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will be shared by both organizations. The Fox Theatre’s portion will support the outreach programs of the Fox Theatre Institute, which revitalizes communities, one theatre at a time. The Georgia Trust’s portion will go directly to its mission to reclaim, restore and revitalize Georgia’s historic places.

The event chairs are Carolyn Llorens and Caroline Tucker from The Georgia Trust, and Jay Myers and Ingrid Saunders Jones from the Fox Theatre. Atlantans are welcome to come celebrate this historic downtown landmark and honor the original Board of Trustees of Atlanta Landmarks at a fabulous party with live entertainment, a full bar and tasty offerings from Atlanta’s finest caterers.

A Legendary Encore will take place at the Fox Theatre March 14 at 7 p.m. Reservations are $150 for members; $200 for non-members (includes membership both in the Trust and the Friends of the Fox program); $100 for guests under 40. To make reservations, visit www.georgiatrust.org or call 404-885-7812. Dress is cocktail attire.