On March 23, the Chattahoochee Plantation Women's Club (CPWC) and the Computer Museum of America (CMoA) merged for an evening of dancing, mingling and giving back. The Chattahoochee Plantation Women's Club's annual gala, hosted at CMoA this year, enjoyed great success and concluded with a generous contribution to local charity PORCH Marietta.
The theme, "Dancing Through the Decades," fit perfectly in CMoA's spacious Gravity Ballroom, backdropped by informative exhibits featuring technology from the last 100 years. CPWC members and non-members alike were invited to dress in their finest retro, decades-inspired getup for the evening. Attendees sipped on bubbly cocktails, indulged in tasteful hors d'oeuvres and enjoyed a visit to the museum's extensive collection of digital artifacts long into the night.
The well-attended gala was a night to remember for all parties involved.
"The CPWC members and guests had a wonderful time at the Gala!" exclaimed co-president Susan Fulkerson, who recalled the evening as "both nostalgic and interesting" thanks to the artful exhibits.
During her time as co-president of the organization, Susan has seen many gatherings off without a hitch. From interest groups like garden club, hiking club and dinner club to activities like First Friday dinners, educational programs and volunteer opportunities, the club is built on the core principle of bringing people together. For Susan, it's the best part of the job.
"As president of the club, I check in with the leaders of each interest group frequently, meet new neighbors, meet business owners that sponsor some of our events and make sure that the club is running smoothly," says Susan.
The annual gala marked a continuation of the CPWC's legacy of fundraising for the less fortunate while enjoying the community connections forged by the women’s club.
Everyone agreed that the museum was the perfect venue for the retro-themed event.
"The backdrop of the exhibits spark organic conversations, and people are instantly sharing memories and stories about their experiences with items they are seeing on display," says Elaine Pelaia, director of museum operations.
Wholly unique and relatively new to the Roswell and East Cobb area, CMoA tells the stories of the digital age, past and present, in a way that entices more than just tech experts. The museum's dynamic exhibits, enriching programs and educational opportunities make it a cherished hidden gem. From hands-on tales of space exploration to historically significant WWII tech such as an Enigma machine, to one of North Fulton's largest event spaces, everyone will find something of intrigue at the CMoA.
"The mission statement of CMoA is 'To preserve the stories and artifacts from the digital age while educating and inspiring visitors of all ages and backgrounds,' and we do that every day for visitors of every age," says Elaine.
PORCH Marietta shared in the evening's successes.
The women's club votes to support a local philanthropy each year. They always choose an organization close to home that benefits children; this year is no different. All proceeds from the gala went to benefit PORCH Marietta in their mission to fight hunger in the greater East Cobb community.
When the pandemic led to a growing rate of food insecurity, a group of neighbors teamed up to bring PORCH's mission to Marietta. The all-volunteer, grassroots organization relies on the generous donations of neighbors who leave food items on their front porches to be collected by volunteers and taken to food banks. All food and cash donations are funneled directly into local pantries.
"They give people the opportunity to make an immediate impact in their communities by providing an ongoing and stable supply of food to pantries and program participants," says Angela Boardman, charity chair of the CPWC.
Amidst the joyful dancing and memory making, a greater cause was at play—as there always is when the CPWC is involved. The glamorous gala celebrated the tremendous successes of the Chattahoochee Plantation Women's Club and the rest of East Cobb. It was a testament to the impact powerful women, generosity and community can have when united for a greater cause.
How It Started:
Chattahoochee Plantation Women's Club
What started as a neighborhood garden club has transformed into a community betterment project with a group of 200 empowered women at the helm. Since 1970, the CPWC has connected women, given time and money for a cause, and advocated for a high quality of life in their local communities.
Computer Museum of America
The Computer Museum of America is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of computing and its impact on our society. Through interactive experiences, educational programs, and engaging events, CMoA provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of technology and its profound influence on our lives. For more information, visit ComputerMuseumOfAmerica.org.
"The exhibits spark organic conversations, and people are instantly sharing memories and stories about their experiences with items on display." - Elaine Pelaia
