WRAP is a 24-hour crisis line for domestic and sexual abuse, transportation to a Safe House (shelter, food, clothing) with Individual Counseling, support groups, Court Accompanies, Education program, Financial Assistance and Advocacy Referrals to save lives. Twenty counties are served by Jackson’s WRAP association at 512 Roland Avenue. Nordstar Medical was the proud sponsor of the 7th Annual Denim and Pearls event.

The American Heart Association hosted its annual Go Red for Women event at the Carl Perkins Civic Center on March 21 to to raise awareness of women’s risk of heart disease and build a healthier West Tennessee. Female heart disease survivors were recognized including Savannah Conley, a very young mother and wife whose female side of the family had severe heart disease. On the evening of the dinner, Savannah was present with her new heart and her young daughter to walk the survivor runway with joy and pride. Approximately $197,000 was raised for the Heart Association.

Fat Tuesday came a little early this year with a fun and festive event Saturday evening, February 23. The Jackson Service League’s inaugural Masquerade Mardi Gras Ball kicked off in downtown Jackson with attendees enjoying live music by The Skeleton Krew, delicious Cajun-inspired food and beverages, dancing, themed outfits and masks, and socializing amongst friends.

Lane College hosted their fifth annual Founders’ Day Scholarship Gala on Sunday afternoon, March 3 at the J.F. Lane Health and Physical Education Building on the Lane College campus. This event serves as the college’s yearly premier fundraiser, which also celebrates the 137th year of existence and the birthday of their founder, Bishop Isaac Lane.

The 25th Annual Blue Suede Dinner & Auction, with the theme of “Don’t Stop Believin,” was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The Musical entertainment was provided by “Resurrection: A Journey Tribute.” In the backstage area was a 40-foot-tall mural dedicated to the memory of Carl Perkins. Carl was the catalyst whose vision of a Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse has grown to an outreach of surrounding counties near Madison County. This year a fund goal target of $350,000 is needed to provide the protection and counseling for the children.

The MBF Jenna “Lights, Camera, Fashion” 2019 opened the doors at 5 p.m. to the public. The Civic Center was nearly full by 5:30 p.m. of family and friends of these high school student models. Upon entering the lobby, banner pictures of each girl were displayed along both sides of the walkway. Each year the funds raised by this amazing event are directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

The 2019 Jackson Symphony “Crystal Ball” was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to a sold-out crowd. The Jackson Symphony League hosts this event, which is the largest fundraiser for the Symphony. Members of the Symphony also visit the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and the Alice & Carl Kirkland Cancer Center. The performers believe this exposure to music helps in the healing process. Additionally, the Chamber Music concerts held at several churches are reaching people who may not attend a larger event. The Jackson Youth Orchestra also performs, and this allows the youth to be exposed to professional level musicians.

On Saturday, January 5, the Carl Perkins Civic Center was packed full of West Tennesseans in beautiful gowns and suits for an evening benefitting Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The third annual Black Tie & Boxing presented by Express Employment Professionals was as entertaining as it was beautiful.

Leadership Jackson celebrated the graduation of its 40th class on Thursday evening, December 13 with a ceremony and awards banquet. Graduates, their families and Leadership Jackson alumni gathered at the Carl Grant Events Center at Union University to enjoy a meal together and learn about the 32 members of this year’s graduating class. Awards were given to several members of this class as well as distinguished alumni to recognize their achievements.

The New Southern in Downtown Jackson was full of extra sparkle and shine as Habitat for Humanity held its first Dream Builders Gala on New Year’s Eve. Window World and WBBJ were the title sponsors of the event, which included dinner, music and a champagne toast to ring in 2019. Couples danced to the music of the Jimmy Church Band as they enjoyed their last night out of the year.