GREENSBORO – Award-winning interior designer Shane Meder and his company, Black Sheep Interiors, have joined the growing list of businesses that have pledged their support for the 2016 Heart and Soul Gala benefiting St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital.

“St. Mary’s Good Samaritan plays a big role in the economic viability of our area, and we are proud to support it,” said Meder, a local resident with offices in Atlanta as well as Lake Oconee.

As owner and principal designer of Black Sheep Interiors, Meder has won numerous awards and recognition, including consecutive Designers’ Choice awards from the Atlanta design community. In addition, Southern Living Magazine chose Meder as the sole designer for its inaugural 1992 Lake Oconee Idea House, and Atlanta Magazine chose him as the sole designer for its Dream Home in 2008 and 2009. Meder was also voted “Best Interior Designer” for 2012 and 2013 by the readers of Lake Oconee Living Magazine.

Many viewers may recall Meder as a pioneer in interior design television. Long before programs such as HGTV and Trading Spaces, Meder brought creative design to the public as the well-loved host of the TV series Creating Style with Shane Meder, which aired nationally on NBC. With 32 years of experience, Meder takes pride in being an active part of the design community here at Lake Oconee. He is assisted by senior partner Don Schoenberger, interior designers Emily Creighton and Erica Pearson, and office manager Carol Contestabile.

“Our company vision is to bring innovative ideas and new perspective to homeowners and create their dream home,” said Meder.

“The gala committee is humbled by the outpouring support of businesses like Black Sheep Interiors,” said Riezl Baker, gala event chair and foundation board member. “They are generous not only for stepping up to be one of our sponsors, but for donating a unique and exciting auction item for the evening.”

That auction item is “A Day with Interior Designer Shane Meder.” It will include lunch for 10 people at Gabys’ by the Lake at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee, a shopping excursion to the beautiful antebellum city of Madison in search of treasures for the home, and a tour by boat of Lake Oconee. The day will end with a private cocktail party hosted by Meder at his lakeside home.

The Heart and Soul Gala will be held at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee on Feb. 13, 2016. For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets to the gala, visit www.gshgala.com or contact Crysty Odom, Foundation Director, at 706-389-3926 or by email at codom@stmarysathens.org.