As the saying goes, "every cloud has a silver lining".

This lining was unquestionably a special shade of silver on the early evening of March 24, 2009 as a huge rainstorm began to move through the area. Despite the impending downpour, the Pickler Wealth Advisors 25^th Anniversary Gala geared up for an elegant evening of music, food, laughs and love that celebrated David Pickler’s silver anniversary of client service and community investment.

David felt that the best way to celebrate his 25 year would be with the clients and friends that have continued to give their support and trust over the years. The invaluable relationships that David has with those clients and friends were evident as more than 200 guests arrived at the Esplanade Memphis just after sunset. The beautifully lit foyer greeted guests with music from Amro piano, a unique wooden bar area for cocktails, saxophone played by Pat Register, and a long display of all the community organizations with which David has been involved. After some guests opted to have a photo taken by Ramsey Photography, everyone headed into the large ballroom that was decorated with large silver vases of calla lilies and green sprigs and white tulip centerpieces contained in mint julep cups that resting on silver plates. Tables draped with elegant black tablecloths complimented the silver programs that were placed at each seat. At the end of the seemingly endless rows of tables, a large stage adorned with black drapes, beautiful flowers and enlarged black-and-white pictures of several children from the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf and other community organizations.

The night began with a Color Guard ceremony by Boy Scout Troop # 368 followed by a performance of the National Anthem by the Houston High School Jazz Band. A warm welcome by a humbled David Pickler proceeded by expressing his most sincere gratitude for all the love, support and trust from his clients and friends that have helped make all this success possible. As David began the night, several children from the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf climbed the stairs to the stage and played a heartwarming violin recital that was complimented with thunderous applause. The Houston High School Jazz Band proceeded to perform several entertaining numbers as guests enjoyed a wonderful meal provided by the Esplanade. After dinner, John Aitken, Bobby Webb, and Joseph Clayton of Shelby County Schools also took the stage and shared stories, memories and tremendous congratulations for all David has accomplished. The “Real David Pickler” was exposed with a touching yet hilarious speech from Tracy Speake, a longtime friend of David. As a very touched David tightly hugged Tracy at the end of the speech, Teresa Bailey, Chief Operating Officer of Pickler Wealth Advisors, welcomed every staff member onto the stage with personal speeches developed about each one. David then presented a gift to the staff from himself and Teresa. A surprise was also presented to David from the staff: the David A. Pickler Community Significance Award which honored David’s commitment to community service. The award will be given to a local student who exemplifies community significance and will receive 100 hours of service from each PWA staff member to help them with their efforts in helping the community. As the staff exited the stage, the guest of honor was presented to give a keynote address. Lincoln Anderson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Economist of LPL Financial delivered a unique insight into the state of our economy and how the system works. One of America’s leading economists and market experts, Lincoln shared his wit and wisdom that he has learned from many years of experience in the world of economics. He had the crowd engaged, listening, learning and laughing and answered questions at the conclusion of his speech.

As David concluded the night with expressions of immeasurable gratitude and appreciation, the night was undoubtedly an unforgettable night that was celebrated for the clients and friends that have made such success possible. Countless smiles exited the foyer as guests began to leave the celebration and head into the rainy night, but one smile could not have been wiped off a certain financial advisor’s face. The night would not have been complete without the friends and clients that share in David’s passion for excellence and service. David and the staff of Pickler Wealth Advisors thank you for celebrating this momentous occasion of 25 years in community service and advisory excellence – and to quote a comment heard quite frequently that evening, “we look forward to the next 25!”