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50 www.thejewelrybook.com H U D S O N - P O O L E G I V I N G B A C K Giving Back Helping a Hospital to Aid Others Hudson-Poole, in Tuscaloosa, Al. cares as much about the health of the people in its community as it does about their acces- sories, which is why the fi ne-jewelry store has been a driving force behind the local DCH Regional Medical Center's annual Barbeque & Blue Jeans fundraiser. For 18 years, Hudson-Poole has donated jewelry to the affair and sold tickets, help- ing to raise upwards of $100,000 annually. That money benefi ts the Help & Hope Fund, which "pro- vides fi nancial assistance to current Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Center patients struggling to make ends meet while undergoing treatment," according to the hospital's website. This as- sistance includes help paying for medica- tions, household bills, meals, and trans- portation to and from treatment. Next in line for funding? A cardiac center. "We want a cardiac unit where residents can have valve replacements," explains Gene Poole, owner of Hudson-Poole, who has served on the fund's board. "The fund is a safety net for cancer patients so that they can work on recov- ery," adds Molly Ingram, vice president of development for the DCH Founda- tion. Ingram has worked with Gene Poole since 2011. "We are so grateful for leaders like Gene and Jamie Poole—they tell us what we need to know about the community, themes that will work, and provide moral support." Themes like Pan Am and Top Gun, among others, are chosen each spring for the fundraiser and guests dress the part for the occasion. Up to 1,500 attend. The event used to take place at a defunct airport terminal, whose rental terms the Pooles negotiated with the city. During the event's fi nal year at the terminal, the Pooles raced to the rescue when a windstorm uprooted a 10,000-square- foot tent set up for the festivities. "It was Gene and his team who ran to the airport to help," she recollects. "The Pooles have long relationships and a willingness to employ them for a good cause." One of the biggest attractions of the eve- ning is the drawing for the jewelry provid- ed by Hudson-Poole. Past drawings have included a lit fountain illuminating dozens of 1 carat cubic zirconia stones along with one diamond, with a winner choosing the genuine gem. This year, Hudson-Poole offered up three locked glass boxes, each fi lled with a different prize including a piece of diamond jewelry, a women's watch and a men's watch, and a $500 store gift certifi cate. Party guests purchased keys on lanyards, which they used to try to open any of the three boxes. "The jewelry drawing is a cornerstone of the event!" notes Ingram. "Hundreds of cancer patients are helped every year because of the generosity of the Pooles." Gene "Poodgie" Poole, Jamie Poole, Krista Poole and John Poole "The jewelry draw- ing is a cornerstone of the event!" notes Ingram. "Hundreds of cancer patients are helped every year because of the gener- osity of the Pooles." BY JENNIFER HEEBNER

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