The American Heart Association Go Red Dinner was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to a standing-room-only crowd. Beverly Absher was the moderator, who guided the audience through the evening. The program highlighted a video from Alicia Williams. She had two young children when she learned a serious heart problem could take her life. The wakeup call came from her doctor who asked if she had her will up to date. Following that conversation she underwent surgery.

The Barn at Snider Farms was full of fun and energy at Boots, Bands & Bingo, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Jackson Service League (JSL). The event, held on March 31, brought out a barn full of party-goers entertained by the always crowd-pleasing Kimberlie Helton Band. Guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner hosted by Coyote Blues.

The 2017 Jackson Chamber’s Annual Celebration was held at the Carl Grant Center at Union University to a sold-out crowd of over 400. The event honored businesses, industries and non-profit organizations and had one of the largest turnouts to date. President Kyle Spurgeon and his staff decided to change the format and feature Jackson’s musical heritage by referencing the change to music by Jackson’s own Carl Perkins and his song “Blue Swade Shoes.” (Swade is the way it was spelled on the original document.)

The 19th Annual Fur Ball supporting the Jackson-Madison County Humane Society was held at the Jackson Country Club to a full house of supporters. Sponsors were Bruce & Dottie Dorris, Antonia’s Paw Spa, City of Jackson & Outback. Upon arrival was Mitch Carter providing photo opportunities and Rhino Limo offering rides home if necessary.

The Exchange Club – Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse held the 23rd Blue Suede “United in Love” Dinner and Auction at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The silent auction featured a wide variety of items. At the end of dinner there was a live auction, which featured cabin stays, a one-of-a-kind signed guitar, and a destination wedding package.

The Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of West Tennessee hosted their fourth annual First Ladies Luncheon on March 2nd at the Jackson Fairgrounds. Brad and Kristi Montague, owners of Montague Workshop, were the keynote speakers. They had everyone looking through the eyes of children. Brad is the creator of Kid President, and Kristi is a photographer and designer. Caty Davis, Miss Lexington, delighted everyone singing the national anthem and closing song.

After a one-year hiatus, the Crystal Ball came back bigger and better! Under the direction of Brenda Whalley and her committee, the Jackson Symphony League presented a fabulous event that included a Champagne Reception, Silent Auction, Wine Pull, Diamond Martinis, Dinner and Dancing to the sounds of Juliet and the Romeos. Highlighting the evening was the presentation of eleven Senior Ambassadors who have served the Symphony for the past four years.

The inaugural Black Tie and Boxing benefitting JDRF and the fight against Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) took place on Saturday, January 7 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The event, featuring amateur Kickboxing and MMA fights in a formal setting, was the vision of Ronnie and Susan Morris who attended a similar event in Fort Worth, Texas.

A fun community night was had by all at the Jackson Fairgrounds, which recently held “Boots & Bling: It’s a Heart Health Thing.” While the lights were turned down low, the guests were encouraged to break out into their cowgirl boots, grab their girlfriends, and flaunt their finest moves through the course of the exhilarating night.

The sixth annual Lights, Camera, Fashion Show took place on February 4th at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, and was sponsored by My Best Friend Jenna of Jackson. The fashion show was a benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and it raised an astounding amount for the organization.

Carl Perkins Civic Center was the site of the “Honor the Blue & First Responders 2017.” There was a full house downstairs as Public Information Officer, Tom Mapes, introduced all aspects of the celebration. The audience met the three police dogs who have become a huge asset and drug identifier for one of the largest drug busts in recent times.

The Jackson Leadership class of 2016 held their graduation ceremony at the Carl Grant Center on the Union University Campus. Leadership Jackson, the Chamber’s adult leadership development program, gives business professionals employed with companies that are chamber members the opportunity to better understand the community. Class members visited community landmarks, met with area leaders and participated in weekly sessions about critical subjects in Jackson-Madison County, including education, healthcare and government.