Buckhead resident Carl and Sally Gable, authors of "Palladian Days, Finding a New Life in a Venetian Country Home," presented Cecilia and Allen Wright, co-chairs of the Arthritis Foundation’s Oct. 20 Crystal Ball, with a signed copy of their book about their restoration of Villa Cornaro, a 16th century masterpiece designed by Andrea Palladio, at an event for Crystal Ball supporters at the Wrights’ home. Photo credit: Jim Fitts

The annual Crystal Ball, benefiting the Georgia chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, is Oct. 20 at the Buckhead Ritz Carlton. But the partying has already started.

Supporters gathered recently at the home of event co-chairs Cecilia and Allen Wright and were treated to a program by Sally and Carl Gable, authors of “Palladian Days, Finding a New Life in a Venetian Country Home.” The ball’s theme this year: “Moonlight Over Venice.”

Guests included Barbara Joiner, Faye Donaldson, Shahnaz Nahai, Jan Bennett, Kate Allen, Cheryl Espy, Eileen Rosencrants, Donna Finale, Carla Wright, Marie Hannon, Joann Dunbar.

Additionally, David Popen, CEO of the Southeast Region Arthritis Foundation, traveled from Nashville to attend.

For information on the ball call 678-237-4468 or email mespy@arthritis.org.

Meals On Wheels Atlanta held a series of Sunday Supper fundraisers this spring. Nearly $43,000 was raised through these dinners, which will provide more than 6,600 meals for elderly Atlantans.

Participating chefs included Joe Truex (Watershed), Paul Albrecht (Paul’s), Liz Cipro (A Legendary Event), Gerry Klaskala (Aria), Todd Ginsberg (Bocado), Olivier Gaupin (Eleven at Loews Atlanta), Bennett Hollberg (Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse), Shaun Doty (Yeah! Burger), Al-Khaliq (Nancy G’s Café), and Dennis Dean Catering.

Bill Torres, left, and Jack Sawyer, right, shown with caterer Dennis Dean, hosted a Sunday Supper event benefiting Meals on Wheels Atlanta. Photo credit: Jim Fitts

Hosts included Joanne and Charles Ackerman, Sandra and Dan Baldwin, Cindy and Bill Fowler, Elizabeth and Carleton Allen, Jack Sawyer and Bill Torres, Sharon Umphenour, Judy Zaban, Paul Hagedorn, Su and Al Longman, Corky and Roger Gelder, and Leslie and David Wierman.

“This was a fantastic show of support from Atlanta’s chefs and restaurants,” said Meals on Wheels executive director Jeffrey Smythe. “We owe a huge thanks to our hosts who graciously opened their homes for an evening of entertaining and dining.”

Meals On Wheels Atlanta delivers more than 100,000 meals a year to Atlanta seniors. Its signature fundraiser, “A Night to Remember,” is planned for Nov. 2 at the St. Regis. See this web site for information.

- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com