As autumn colors begin to paint the South Georgia landscape, the Hospice Satilla Board of Trustees invites the community to share in an evening of compassion and celebration at the Silver Bowl Gala.
The 13th annual event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 13 at The Banter, 255 Main Street in Blackshear.
This gala is open to the public and requires no ticket or formal invitation. Attire is business casual, Guests are encouraged to bring a “Heart for Hospice” and make a contribution of any amount into the traditional silver bowl placed at the entry. All proceeds go directly toward supporting Hospice Satilla’s mission of providing compassionate end-oflife care in the community.
This year’s venue, The Banter, is steeped in local history. It was originally part of J.F. Ratliff & Son Feed & Seed, a prominent South Georgia seed business established in 1911.
The building also has housed a variety of beloved local businesses over the years — including Dean’s 5 & 10, Fancee Fingers Salon, and My Sewing Basket.
In 2021, Misti Martin, a local realtor with EXP Realty, envisioned transforming the historic Ratliff building — comprised of three commercial units and a spacious rear warehouse — into a vibrant gathering place. With a commitment to preservation, she purchased the building in 2023 and began an extensive restoration.
Today, that former warehouse space is The Banter, where thoughtful preservation meets modern revival.
The heart pine floors and exposed brick walls were carefully restored, celebrating the building’s original character. Beautiful brick archways, constructed using bricks removed to install windows, now serve as striking architectural details — repurposed with care and intention.
Hospice Satilla looks forward to welcoming all to a delightful evening in a space where history, community, and purpose come together.
For those who are new to the area, the Silver Bowl Gala is not only a time to gather with family and friends, but also an opportunity to raise essential funds to support the expenses of Hospice Satilla. As a non-profit organization, the program relies on the generosity of individual donors and the business community to fund efforts in providing the care and services members of the community desperately need. The help of others ensures those in their greatest time of need have access to exemplary physical, emotional, and spiritual care, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospice Satilla offers care in the eight-county area of Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Pierce, and Ware.
Whether it’s dancing the night away on the golden dance floor to the tunes of The Naturals or savoring treats from Heavenly Delights by Gina, the Board of Hospice Satilla hopes all will share the evening to celebrate the past and support the future of the organization, your hometown hospice.
Those unable to attend may send contributions to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, 3150. For more information, call (912) 285-2340.
