Lake Oconee Living announces winners of 4th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards at Red Carpet Gala

Staff Reports
Photos by Jesse Walker and Maybe Ortiz

The winners of Lake Oconee Living's 2012 Readers' Choice Awards were revealed in true “Oscar” style on Friday during the magazine's Red Carpet Awards Gala at The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton.

Winners arrived on the red carpet in style, courtesy of A Classic Limousine of Madison. Chip Lyness and DOCK 103.9, three-time winner of “Best Radio Station,” broadcasted live from the red carpet. Following a cocktail hour catered by Travinia's Italian Kitchen of Aiken, S.C., more than 500 guests enjoyed the ceremony, hosted by Bryce McCuin of the Lake Crew and Lake Oconee Living contributor Bill Dudley. Top nominees were announced via video presentation created by Max Henry of MGMedia before the winners took to the stage to receive their award. The program included a stirring tribute to Pfc. Erica Alecksen, winner of the “Biggest Hero” category, performed by Tim Cadiere, voted “Best Musician.”

A silent auction, featuring items donated by local winners, benefited the top three winners of the “Best Non-Profit” category, the Oconee Regional Humane Society, Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, and Greene County Habitat for Humanity.
Food and drink for the event was provided by winners of the “Best in Food & Dining” categories, including Silver Moon, Gaby's by the Lake, Bone Island Grill, and the Oconee Cellar. Music was provided by Robert and Danny Rogers of Easy Touch DeeJays.
“Lake Oconee Living is honored to recognize the various businesses and individuals who make this community so great,” said editor Andrea Gable. “The awards event is a prime example of how this community comes together to support one another and its charitable causes, and sees the value of participating in such an event that aims to honor that.”

This year's winners are featured in the newly-released winter issue of Lake Oconee Living, on stands now throughout the lake area. For more information, call (706) 342-7440 or visit www.LakeOconeeLivingMag.com. More photos from the event can be found on the magazine's Facebook page.

Lake Oconee Living would like to extend a special thanks to: 

Max Henry of MG Media Productions

Emcees Bryce McCuin and Bill Dudley

Presenters
Chip Lyness and KB Travis, Dr. Eddie Richardson and Dr. Jameela Gater, Gene Yaws and Samantha Duthler, Tim Cadiere Band and technical director Adam Swyner

Also: Stacy Brown, Artrose Cooper, Dock 103, Harold's Formal Wear, Pitter Goughnor, Dave and Karen Griffith, Danielle Hawkins, Shane Meder,  Maybe Ortiz, The Sign Store, Crystal Transom, Rocio Ventura, Jesse Walker

Red carpet celebrity limousine service by
A Classic Limousine

Limousine on the magazine cover
provided by Steven Kent

Food and beverages provided by Travinia's Italian Kitchen, Bone Island Grill, Gaby's by the Lake, and Matt Garofalo of Oconee Cellars

After party music byEasy Touch DeeJays

We would like to thank the Plaza Arts Center for their hospitality.

Silent Auction Contributors
Agee's Lawn & Garden No. 2
Art of Oconee
Black Sheep Interiors
Bone Island Grill
Cathy McIntire
Shannon Candler
Classic Center
Corey Crouse
Cuscowilla
Diane Davies
Dock 103.9
Eric Dodd
Festival Hall
Gail Vail
Greene County Chamber of Commerce
Greensboro Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Julie Noland
Kelley & Wednesday Channell
Lake Oconee Dentistry
Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival
The Landing at Reynolds Plantation
Madison Markets
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center
Oconee Cellar
Paper Soirée
Pitter Goughnor
The Plaza Arts Center
Ripe Thing Market
Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
The Sew Zone
Shane Meder
Sheryl Lott
Steffen Thomas Museum
Tim Cadiere
Whidby Jewelers

Printed in the January 17, 2013, edition.