There was a rumble in Jackson on January 6 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center with the 2nd Annual Black Tie & Boxing event. Ronnie and Susan Morris of Express Employment Professionals attended an event in Fort Worth, Texas and brought the idea home and asked friends to assist them in organizing a similar event in Jackson. This is a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The emphasis is on Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Charles Savaggio is the president of the West Tennessee Board of Directors for JDRF. Daily requirements for diabetics include checking blood sugar, taking insulin shots, making daily logs and counting carbs.

As guests arrived at the 28th annual West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation Charity Gala, they were greeted with glittering streamers and a Broadway-themed event. The Civic Center was decorated with extravagant white silky drapes, masses of balloons and streamers and tables beautifully decorated to the nines as guests partook of a fabulous meal before the silent auction and music began.

The 2018 Law Enforcement Ball, presented by Crime Stoppers, was held at Jackson Fairgrounds Park. This was an area-wide ball with attendance from multiple local law enforcement agencies and supporters.

Awards were presented to five recipients, one of which was presented to Mike Johnson by his daughter, Brittney Mehr, for his years of service to law enforcement. Johnson is the Director of Crime Stoppers, which may be contacted at 731-423-TIPS.

The champagne glasses were chilled on the outdoor table as guests entered the grounds of Oakmont estate. Students in tuxedos were there to assist the ladies. Matt was playing the grand piano in the atrium as guests entered the elegant home. And Christos Garkinos returned this year with his popular California clothing to the delight of the female guests.

The 2017 USJ Holiday Mart Preview Party was an opportunity to view all the wares offered for sale at the largest holiday shopping mart in the area. Vendors were present from Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, and elsewhere. Many vendors are private family businesses.

The Jackson Symphony held its first Legacy Circle reception of the 2017-2018 season on Thursday evening, November 30th, at the home of Jim and Mona Campbell. Peter Shannon, Artistic Director and Conductor of The Jackson Symphony, attended and discussed the remainder of the 2017-2018 season. Legacy Circle members are donors who have given $1,000 or more to The Jackson Symphony.

The Star Center presented “Dancing with the Stars” night, beginning with a beautiful sunset through  the dining tent as people began to arrive. This was a larger attendance than last year, creating a beautiful setting outside the clubhouse and onto a rim of the green.  The outdoor area was filled with people socializing as they waited for the seating to begin.

The 2017 Canstruction with Natalie Grant began with a meet-and-greet with key sponsors before going to the Tennessee Room. Grant is a multiple Dove Award winner and has had an amazing music career. Grant said when she was six-years-old singing into her round hair brush, she knew what her life was going to be. Aretha Franklin was an early childhood role model with her strong gospel voice.

Hitmakers and Harleys featuring country singer Darryl Worley was held at Bumpus Harley-Davidson on Tuesday, October 17. All proceeds from the event benefitted the Darryl Worley Foundation.The West Tennessee native said “it’s always nice to get back and do events like this” in the place that feels like home. Also performing at the event was Jim “Moose” Brown, Erin Enderlin & Don Sampson.

The 23rd annual Runway for a Cure was held on October 3 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. It was an evening filled with beautiful clothing, great food, strong survivors and community members gathering to raise funds and awareness to the American Cancer Society.