John McCullough of Johns Creek fondly remembers his wife Mary as the love of his life. “She was just gorgeous and I was always proud to have her on my arm, wherever we went,” says John. “She was a kind, gentle person and just a joy to be with. She was shy, but not too shy.”
Theirs is a sweet love story. They had met in college almost by mistake. Dating in the early 1970s was quite different. Mary was an alternate option for a date after his initial choice was unavailable. Funny thing was that both of his choices were roommates and it was Mary who had informed John that his first choice was already dating. And, so began a great love affair that would see the young couple leave home and move to Atlanta, where they had three beautiful children, two successful careers and many grandchildren. John and Mary were the best of friends. “There’s nothing to be sad about when I think of Mary,” says John. “We shared a 45-year marriage. We were kind of joined at the hip. We were blessed.”
John first learned about the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) by reading an article in Johns Creek City Lifestyle and decided to go to the Shaken, Not Stirred Gala. That first year John went to the gala by himself. “Mary would never get involved in talking to other survivors,” says John. “I doubt she would have gone with me if she were still alive.” Over the subsequent years John brought his family and friends to the gala to support the organization and in remembrance of his wife, Mary. “It helped me to see the support that GOCA was providing to survivors and their families.”
For the third year in a row GOCA has opted for a virtual Shaken, Not Stirred charity fundraising broadcast to be held on June 12. The one-hour broadcast features educational and informative content about the organization and its mission, and highlights members of their community. This year, in conjunction with the broadcast event, GOCA is thrilled to offer an incredible dine-along experience featuring the Capital Grille Dunwoody. More at GOCA.home.qtego.net
See you there!