SAVANNAH, Ga., December 12, 2012 – The Trustees Gala is the annual fundraising event of the Georgia Historical Society and the finale of the Georgia History Festival. Held at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah on Sat., Feb. 16, 2013, this event draws Georgia’s business and civic leaders to honor and pay tribute to the best our state has produced and to commemorate the founding of the Georgia colony in 1733.

The highlight of the Gala is the induction by Governor Nathan Deal of the year’s Georgia Trustees, two Georgians who exemplify a lifetime of excellence in their work and philanthropic accomplishments. The 2013 Trustees, Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy and Atlanta real estate entrepreneur Herman J. Russell, will be in attendance to receive this honor. Following the presentations, the new Trustees will engage in a moderated conversation, featuring questions on topics ranging from business and philanthropy to history and life philosophies.

The highest award the state can confer, the Georgia Trustees is an honor that goes back to the founding of Georgia. The original Georgia Trustees, a governing body chartered and appointed by His Majesty King George II of England in 1732 to establish a new colony in North America, founded the Georgia colony upon the principle of Non Sibi, Sed Aliis– “Not for Self, but for Others.” Each year the King appointed new Trustees and they governed the colony until their disbandment in 1752.

In conjunction with the Governor’s Office, GHS reestablished the Georgia Trustees to recognize Georgians whose accomplishments and community service reflect the highest ideals of the founding Trustees. Each year GHS selects two individuals, who are then appointed as new Trustees and inducted by the Governor at the Trustees Gala.  Former inductees include Andrew Young, Tom Cousins, Sam Nunn, Vince Dooley, Hank Aaron, Ted Turner, Marguerite Neel Williams (posthumous) and Bernie Marcus.

This year, GHS presents “Eau de Vie,” an elegant evening of old world charm with dinner and dancing and lively conversation with the inductees and other local, state, and national leaders.

Visit www.georgiahistory.com to reserve your seats.