Among friends

Gilda’s Club celebrates Ronna Rubin with Nancy Saturn Award

Published On: July 28, 2010

Without a doubt, Nancy Saturn was and always will be one of Nashville’s patron saints. An advocate of the arts, a true friend to people around the world and a beautiful, generous soul, Nancy brought happiness to many, and she lives on through all those she touched over the years. So what could be more appropriate than the Nancy Saturn Award of Inspiration, presented by one of Nancy’s favorite charities, Gilda’s Club? Giving that award to someone who emanates the same feelings of love and loyalty—Ronna Rubin.

On a balmy summer evening, the American Artisan Festival Dinner and Auction drew one of its largest crowds ever—thanks to Nancy and Ronna’s huge following. The Noah Liff Opera Center was comfortably crowded with folks from all sectors of the community—business, philanthropy, the arts, music, medicine and more—there to show love for Ronna, a publicist extraordinaire who has worked in the music biz for years and also volunteers her services to causes near and dear to her heart, and Nancy, the founder and soul of the American Artisan Festival.

With one of the most enticing silent auctions in town, organizers had trouble getting the crowd seated, even though the aroma of a wonderful Dani Kates’ buffet had mouths watering. All the fabulous art and jewels crafted by talented artisans (many of whom Nancy helped nurture) were too good a deal to pass up. Plus, with proceeds benefiting Gilda’s Club, it was easy to justify a bit of pre-dinner shopping.

When guests finally settled in for dinner, it was once again time to shop. An absolutely stunning pearl collection created by the talented Margaret Ellis was up for bids, as well as works by Harold Kraus, Anton Weiss and Sylvia Hyman. Another fun live auction item—a wine dinner at Longleat, the 1929 home of Cathy and Clay Jackson, hosted by Brooks and Bert Mathews—got the crowd’s hands up. Key selling points were “an evening filled with great food, great conversation, great wines and most of all, cherished friends.”

With the spirit of Nancy embracing the crowd and Ronna’s happy energy bubbling over, this was most definitely a night among friends. EN