by Megan Venable
Meet Greg and Gretta Coleman. The duo are this year’s chairs for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Gala. Greg, a Ducktown, Tennessee, native and his wife, Gretta from Halls, are especially poised to take on these distinctive leadership roles, as they have been generous supporters of the event, ensuring the success of the Hope Gala for many years.
They also can speak volumes about the importance of hope.
Both have had cancer introduced into their lives. Greg lost his mother to cancer, and Gretta lost a beloved family member before she even had her first colonoscopy. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” Gretta says. “Cancer doesn’t care about your gender, your race or your income. Cancer doesn’t care about any of that. It affects all families, and it’s something we all have to face.”
With that in mind, they decided to put their money where their mouths were and raised money for the American Cancer Society. What they love about the hardworking Knoxville community is the giving nature of its citizens and the volunteering nature they embody. “People are truly willing to give of their time, treasure and talent,” Greg says. “It’s times like this the Knoxville spirit shines through.” Gretta adds laughingly, “we are the ‘scruffy little city’ that does it all the time!”
Although the Hope Gala is a collaboration, and the theme varies from year to year, Greg and Gretta caught onto the theme of “what are the odds?” This led to thinking what are the odds you end up battling cancer versus what are the odds you maybe win at roulette. The stakes are high in either scenario, and thus a “Vintage Vegas” theme was born. Gretta says, “think old Hollywood meets Vegas at its birth. It will harken back to the elegant style of the ‘50s and ‘60s.”
Knoxville’s Hope Gala ranks in the top 10 nationwide in terms of dollars raised for the American Cancer Society, with all funds staying here in East Tennessee. Money will be used to support those experiencing cancer journeys with transportation assistance from coordinating flights and ground transportation to arranging for gas cards for driving distances. Safe and comfortable housing is also part of these accommodations for travel is also provided allowing patients to focus on their well-being and recovery.
Greg and Gretta are proud of their work with the American Cancer Society and will continue their support through the Hope Gala and into the future. And although the stakes are high, may the odds be ever in their favor. With their efforts through the American Cancer Society they will be making a difference in the lives of those facing health challenges.