Extracted from the Summer Kickoff 2026 Newsletter

Written by Caleigh Redding, Communications Coordinator

We had a blast celebrating our members and all that they do for the LLA at the 2026 Annual Member Celebration! More than 400 attendees came out to enjoy the sunshine, celebrate our mission, and kick off lake season together. We enjoyed seeing familiar faces, and meeting new ones too!

The LLA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many people and organizations who helped make this event not only possible, but memorable and fun for all. A special thank you goes to the Pig Tales team for helping bring the event to life from start to finish. The lawn and loop behind the restaurant created the perfect lakeside setting for the celebration, and the delicious food and drinks from Pig Tales, Fish Tales, and Aqua Terra was truly the cherry on top.

Thank you to Nothing Bundt Cakes for satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth with hundreds of donated mini Bundt cakes. Special thanks also to Another Shot Band for keeping the crowd grooving into the evening with their music.

Several of our business sponsors and community partners were able to showcase their products and services and connect with attendees. Last, but certainly not least, a very special thank you to Sheila Davis Group, the Signature Sponsor of the 2026 Annual Member Celebration. Attendees heard from LLA staff and board members about our 2026 program goals, volunteer opportunities, and funding needs. All in attendance received a special LLA 60th Anniversary T-shirt so they can proudly represent LLA all year long. We couldn’t have asked for a better day!

Bruce Longmore

2025 Charlie Spencer Award Recipient


The LLA would like to congratulate Bruce Longmore on receiving the Charlie Spencer Award! He has been a dedicated volunteer in the Lake Lanier community for many years. Longmore owns Lenny’s Subs in Cumming, and has generously provided hundreds of meals in support of LLA’s educational Lunch and Learn events, and many other non-profit endeavors.

When establishing the Volunteer of the Year award in 2023, LLA decided to name this award in Charlie Spencer’s honor. Charlie was an integral part of the Lake Lanier community and always offered to help out at Shore Sweep or was quick to help when a fellow boater was in need. Many people talk about the work that needs to be done – Bruce actually does it and supports others in their efforts. His contributions make a lasting impact on the Lanier community, much like the life of Charlie Spencer. The LLA believes Charlie would be so proud to see Bruce honored in his memory. They both have facilitated and inspired change around the lake we love. You can learn more about the life and impact of Charlie Spencer on the LLA website, lakelanier.org/remembering-charlie-spencer/. Special thanks to Charlie Spencer’s parents, Chuck and Mary Alice, for supporting LLA at the 2026 Annual Member Celebration.

Bruce was formally presented the award at the May Lunch & Learn event at the LLA office.

Sheila Davis Group

2025 Val Perry Award Recipient

 

The Sheila Davis Group has provided many years of support and service to the association, from sponsoring the Annual Member Celebration for the past nine years, to being a superstar Shore Sweep captain at Gainesville Marina year after year.

This accolade was named in honor of the beloved Val Perry, who passed away in early 2024. Val served on the LLA Board of Directors from 1999 to 2016, first as Executive Vice-President under our Founder, Jackie Joseph, and later as President.

 

 

More photos from the event can be found on the LLA Facebook and Instagram. If you have photos from the event you’d like to share, please email them to us at lakeinfo@lakelanier.org. We were thrilled to see so many of you at the 2026 Annual Member Celebration and can’t wait to see you at the next one!