Killingsworth gala celebrates ‘New Beginnings’

COLUMBIA—On Nov. 8, hundreds of Killingsworth supporters from across the state gathered at Seawell’s to celebrate 71 years of the United Methodist ministry and give a warm welcome to new executive director Donna Lollis.

Lollis took the helm of Killingworth, a Christian ministry home for women in transformation, after its previous director, the Rev. Diane Moseley, retired.

With the theme “New Beginnings,” this year’s gala not only lifted up the ministry’s next steps but also the work they do in the lives of women who live at Killingsworth Home.

The annual gala and fashion show raises funds for the ministry while lifting up the work and the women of Killingsworth. Killingsworth residents modeled some of the fashions alongside other community members and United Methodist leaders, with one sharing her testimony as a way to thank the crowd for their support and underscore the work the home is doing in the world.

The evening started with a dinner and large silent auction, featuring a host of items for bid. This year’s gala also featured a live auction for premium items, including a spa basket, Folly Beach vacation house and more.

After bidding ended, models walked the runway, showing off fashions by Chico’s as announced by fashion show chair Flo Johnson with WIS television news anchor Dawndy Mercer Plank.

This year’s models included Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie along with Erin Addotta, Aisha Harris, Cheryl Lampkins, Arlene Roberson, Sarah Waldrop, Debbie Watford, Jennifer White and Courtney Wilson. Marshals were the Rev. David Anderson, the Rev. James Friday, the Rev. Paul Frey and Melvin McKie. The Dick Goodwin Quartet provided live music, and Big Time Entertainment provided enhanced sound.

For more on Killingsworth: www.killingsworth.org. For more photos from the event, see the Advocate's Flickr album here.