Liberty Bowl Presidents’ Gala

Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Story by Jonathan Devin  |  Photos by Don Perry

This past December, NBA fans were finally getting their season started, but just before New Year’s Eve, football was the talk of the town at the 53rd AutoZone Liberty Bowl Presidents’ Gala. The gala however looked more like a dance marathon than a sporting-related event.     

Guests for the black tie dinner and reception were welcomed to The Peabody’s Continental Ballroom for cocktails with the sound of dueling pianos played by Hudson & Saleeby. Despite being held in midwinter, unseasonably warm temperatures meant that partygoers wore everything from full-length gowns and fur wraps to little black dresses and airy shawls. Gentlemen wore a range of business suits, military uniforms and black tuxes. The dance floor was packed as guests, often with glasses of wine in hand, cut a rug to hits of the 1980s and ’90s, before being ushered to the scene of a grand dinner in the Memphis Ballroom. Tables were laden with linen in springtime pastels like soft green and pink with centerpieces of roses, daisies and chrysanthemums. Andy Childs and his band warmed up the stage and guests once again put on their dancing shoes.     

After the presentation of Liberty Bowl officials, including the coaches and their wives from the opposing teams—Vanderbilt University and the University of Cincinnati, Memphis Mayor A C Wharton made an official welcome on behalf of the city. Dinner consisted of green salad, beef filet and chicken breast with mashed potatoes, as well as a trio of cheesecake, chocolate torte and crème brulee. Then, it was back to the dance floor as the recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Achievement Award, KC & the Sunshine Band, pumped out their greatest dance hits like “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Shake Your Booty,” “Boogie Shoes,” “Keep It Comin’ Love” and “Get Down Tonight.” The Liberty Bowl president, Patti Shannon, made the presentation.     

Andy Childs returned to the stage to finish off the evening for a seemingly inexhaustible crowd as coffee and laces were served. University of Cincinnati fans would have a second evening to celebrate with a win the following day.