Lift Your Spirits: Permission to Celebrate

“Lift Your Spirits: Permission to Celebrate”
Community Grief Support’s 21st Annual Fundraiser
Our mission is heavy, our parties are fun! Community Grief Support (CGS) is hosting the fun-est party of the summer –our
21st annual fundraiser, “Lift Your Spirits.
” This year’s theme is “Flamingling with Friends” set in a casual, festive setting at
Vestavia Country Club on Thursday, July 18, 6-9pm. Jann Robinson is the 2024 Lift Your Spirits Chair. Special guest, Roy
Williams, former Birmingham News Journalist, will share his compelling story of his brother Army Major Dwayne Williams’
tragic death at the Pentagon in the 911 attacks. Janice Rogers, WBRC Fox 6 Good Day Alabama co-host, will be the emcee.
Grief is hard, but it’s okay to have fun too. Each year, CGS hosts this fundraising event
that gives permission to celebrate life – to enjoy an evening that will truly “lifts your
spirits.” Featuring bedazzling silent and live auctions with must-have jewelry, pottery,
artwork, kids and pet packages, exceptional entertainment, and exciting
international/domestic travel experiences, as well as Birmingham’s Finest dining
experiences, plus more. There will be live music, dancing, a tropical buffet, and signature
cocktails befitting a summer evening party.
“Lift Your Spirits” is sponsored this year by Dentons, SouthPoint Bank, STIFEL, First Horizon Bank, ARC Realty/Barbara
Lummis, Kelley Mullis Wealth Management, Shelby Printing, Barlow Wealth Management Group, First US Bank, Astoria Risk
Management Services, and Motion Industries.
For almost 30 years, Community Grief Support has provided—at no cost—individual, couples, and family grief counseling;
more than 30 loss-specific grief support groups per year in 11 communities and 10 counties; and grief education programs
throughout the Greater Birmingham area. No one should grieve alone. CGS’ mission is to improve the quality of life for
bereaved adults who face the challenge of rebuilding their lives without their loved ones – finding hope, healing, and even
joy again. #nooneshouldgrievealone
All net proceeds benefit Community Grief Support in continuing to provide free grief services and programs to grieving
individuals and families in need. Tickets and tables are being pre-sold through July 12th and may be purchased through
Community Grief Support’s website: https://www.communitygriefsupport.org/lys/. Contact Catherine Pittman Smith for
sponsorship information and/or questions at cpsmith@communitygriefsupport.org or 205.492.3350.
Community Grief Support originated in the early 1990s as a service of Ridout’s Funeral Home to help families
struggling after the death of a loved one. By 1996, the program had outgrown the funeral home’s resources,
which led community leaders to raise funds to establish CGS as a 501c3 nonprofit. In 2015, CGS merged with
Alabama Grief Support Service, enabling CGS to increase its reach and broaden its service area. CGS provides
free grief counseling, loss-specific support groups, and community education programs. All groups are
facilitated by counseling professionals and/or bereavement-trained volunteers. Our programs help loss
survivors heal from the psychological, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual effects of grief.
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Mission
The mission of Community Grief Support is to improve & enhance the quality of life for bereaved adults
who face the challenge of rebuilding their lives without their loved ones.
Vision
Community Grief Support’s vision is to bring increased awareness, education, and understanding to our
community about the long-term impact of grief and how to work through its physical, spiritual, emotional,
and social effects.
Services & Programs
CGS currently provides:
§ 30 loss-specific support groups annually throughout the Birmingham area, including spousal loss
(young & retired widowed), parent/grandparent/sibling/friend, and loss of an adult child.
§ Grief counseling for adults (19+), couples, and families as needed.
§ Community education programs include “Grief in the Workplace,” “Hope for the Holidays,” and
workshops on grief-related topics, such as suicide. We are the only agency providing free
bereavement care, counseling, and support in the nine-county Greater Birmingham area.
Current Partnerships
CGS has active partnerships (referrals/training/programs/collaborations) with:
§ The Amelia Center
§ The Crisis Center
§ ASPARC (Alabama Suicide Prevention & Resources Coalition)
§ TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
§ Dignity Memorial/Ridout’s
§ Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens
§ Brother Let’s Talk
§ Collat Jewish Family Services (CJFS)
§ Birmingham Community Roundtable
§ University of Montevallo
§ Ascension/St. Vincent’s Health System & Hospice
§ UAB Health Systems
§ UAB EACC (Employee Assistance & Counseling Center)
§ Viva Health
§ Hospitals, Physicians & Physicians Groups
§ Hospice & Healthcare organizations
§ Local churches: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Dawson Baptist Church, Asbury UMC, Vestavia Hills
Methodist Church, Huffman Baptist Church, Trussville 1st Methodist Church, St. John AME Church,
Guiding Light Church, and Riverchase UMC.
Community Grief Support is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.