WHEN: Saturday, January 26, 2013Doors open at 5:00 PM for silent auction, art show, cash bar and (new this year) a band. Dinner is at 7:00 PM sharp. WHERE: Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta    WHAT:The GDCTA 2012 Awards Gala is the celebration for the Awards Program participants and winners as well as an annual fundraising event. This year's Gala is to Benefit  the UGA Vet School Building Fund for the new Vet Hospital.  A very unique and elegant party for GDCTA’s dressage and eventing members, complete with beautiful awards, an amazing dining experience, silent auction and art show, as well as a captivating slide presentation.   WHY: The GDCTA Awards Gala has a dual function: 1. Celebrating the achievements of all the GDCTA members who participated in the GDCTA Awards Program. 2. Raising funds for GDCTA  & The UGA Vet School Building Fund − The proceeds from the silent auction and a percentage of the sales of art allow GDCTA to continue its year-round event schedule and contribute to the UGA Building Fund for a new Vet Hospital.  GDCTA is the premiere resource for Atlanta's dressage and eventing community, and provides equestrians networking and educational opportunities throughout the year. GDCTA’s Grant program provides its members each year the means to take their career to the next level through an exceptional riding experience.  INTERESTING TIDBITS FROM THE 2011 AWARDS GALA:§ 385 people attended, which is the largest group we’ve ever had. 380 people attended in 2012. Each seat had a goodie bag loaded with fun items so everyone took something home! § 8 local artists participated in the Featured Artists Gallery. Look for these and other exciting artists to show their work in January 2012. Susan Burns                                     www.horsepaintingsbysue.com Barbara Rush                                   www.barbararush.com Ulla Strickland                                  www.ullastricklandstudios.com Emily Griffith                                      www.ehgriffithstudios.com Michael Lee                                       www.michaelleedesign.net Kim Scruggs                                     www.kimscruggs.com Julia Burns Rachel Wilkins   Did you know that before the Gala each artist commits to donating a percentage of each sale of their art that they make during the Gala and after, if they’ve made the contact at the Gala? So, if you didn’t buy that special piece that you wanted, you can still buy it and benefit GDCTA by letting the artist know that you saw their work at the Gala! § 15 door prizes were awarded § There were  silent auction items, including custom boots, numerous trips, original artwork.  Two double bridles, a leather halter, and Leather Therapy to clean it all! §  166 ribbons given!Seger Equine Insurance donated embroidered saddle pads.o       Recognized Awards: 35 champions / 26 reserve championso       Schooling Show Awards: 18 champions / 14 reserve champions  § Slide show photographers:o       Brad Thatcher, Applewood Farm, LLC, brad@applewood-farm.com   § 2011 Volunteer of the Year: Kelley DeLaPerriere § President's Award winner: Lisa & John Seger § Generous sponsors, 10 months, and 21 volunteers to make it all happen! Gala Committee : Caren Caverly (Chairperson) Liz Faso, Peri Lambros, Pat Borders, Mary Lou Freil,  Holly Hill Kreikemeier, Martha Murphy, Lara Mitchelson, Kelley DeLa Perriere, Anne ModiSee you there!      Visit EventBrite.com for pricing.