Spirit Awards Luncheon

by Pam Hartmann, Organization Committee

Mark your calendars for Monday, January 31, 2011, because Spirit of Athens is hosting the Spirit Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m., in the Rodgers Center at First Presbyterian Church on Jefferson Street, in downtown Athens.

Awards will be presented to a few outstanding volunteers and supporters who have demonstrated great interest and service toward the revitalization of Athens’ downtown.  All of the community is invited to the luncheon, which combines the Spirit of Athens annual meeting with the awards’ presentation. This is a great way to show support for the downtown while celebrating with new friends and a few old ones. Have you been interested in finding out more about the campaigns and events that Spirit of Athens sponsors that highlight the downtown?

This luncheon is a great opportunity to hear about the successes and to acknowledge the people who have worked diligently to keep things moving in the right direction in Athens.   Although there will be a few guest speakers, the luncheon is planned with an emphasis on fun, good food, and socializing. You’ll have plenty of time to eat and meet a few new faces at this meeting. Spirit of Athens committee members will be visible and ready to offer information or have you volunteer to help this organization make Athens’ downtown the most successful downtown in Alabama.

Seating is limited for this luncheon. VIP tables for 6 will be available for $100. VIP tables will be up front and specially decorated for the guests who have reserved them. General reservations are $20. per person and must be made no later than January 26th.
 Attendees will be delighted by the food prepared by the Sweetest Things Tea Room, and by LuVici’s. There will be lots of additional surprises for those attending the luncheon. Information on volunteer opportunities, membership and upcoming events will also be available.

The Spirit of Athens, led by executive director, Trisha Black, follows the national Main Street Program model. The Main Street Four-Point Approach is a unique preservation-based economic development tool that enables communities to revitalize the downtowns and neighborhood business districts by leveraging local assets- from historic, cultural, and architectural resources to local enterprises and community events. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the individual issues and problems that challenge traditional historic downtown districts. The Four-Point approach emphasizes the areas of Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Re-Structuring.

If you would like to share your talents and get more involved in your downtown, there is room on many of the committees or you can volunteer for one of the many individual events that Spirit of Athens sponsors.

Reservations for the Spirit Awards Luncheon, may be purchased online at www.athensspirit.blogspot.com or call 256-278-6436, and leave a call back message, or email tblack@athensal.us. Reservations are due no later than January 26th.