Jackson, Tennessee – United Way of West Tennessee has an evening of entertainment and inspiration scheduled for Aug. 18th at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
According to a press release from Katherine Cheshire – Marketing Director United Way of West Tennessee – this community-wide event will feature as its distinguished guest former heavyweight champion, pastor, author, and entrepreneur George Foreman.
In recognition of the organization’s 80th anniversary, United Way will be hosting Unitas to celebrate its impact and work within the region. During the event, attendees will enjoy a four-course dinner, silent auction, live music, and a keynote address from Mr. Foreman.
“Though we were forced to postpone the event last year out of concern for our guests’ health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to finally celebrate this organizational milestone with others in-person,” United Way President/CEO Matt Marshall said. “We are very grateful to have served our region for these past 80 years, and we welcome George Foreman as he comes to further inspire and motivate our community.”
After growing up in an impoverished community in Houston, Texas, Foreman’s life changed once he met Doc Broaddus, a Job Corps counselor and boxing coach. He heeded Broaddus’ encouragement to become a boxer, which served as the steppingstone toward a successful boxing career as a two-time world heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist.
“Foreman’s story is a great example of how someone’s beginnings do not have to determine their end. Anyone, given the opportunity, can be empowered to make a difference,” Marshall said. “Here at United Way, we strive to do the same, and we invite a world champion to come encourage a community of champions.”
United Way will also honor four individuals in recognition of their contributions to the West Tennessee community. Gem Bell from Teknor Apex and Charley Deal from the University of Tennessee – Martin will be the first recipients of the Joe Exum Award, which is named after former Jackson Energy Authority President, Joe Exum, who served as Board Chair when The Jackson Community Chest changed its name to The United Way in 1971.
In addition, Judy Long from First Citizens National Bank and Leigh Anne Bentley from Leaders Credit Union will be the first to receive the Charlotte Stanworth Harris Award – named after United Way of West TN’s first female Campaign Board Chair.
“These four individuals have done incredible work on behalf of United Way and nonprofits across the region,” Marshall said. “We are looking forward to recognizing them at Unitas for their impact and the continual difference they are making in West Tennessee.”
Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available for purchase at unitas80.org. Below is a list of event sponsorships. For more information about Unitas, contact [email protected].
Sponsorship Levels
Presenting Sponsor – $15,000
Gold Sponsor – $10,000
Silver Sponsor – $5,000
Bronze Sponsor – $3,000
VIP Sponsor – $1,600
Individual Tickets – $250
Balcony Tickets – $25
