Jackson, Tenn. – The Community Foundation of West Tennessee will host the 33rd Annual Charity Gala on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in downtown Jackson.
“Investing in West Tennessee is at the heart of our mission. The Charity Gala gives us the opportunity to highlight the work of leaders in Jackson, raise funds to support critical community needs, and partner with businesses in the region,” said Frank McMeen, President of the Community Foundation.
The Charity Gala is the largest fundraiser hosted by the Community Foundation and raises funds to support critical community initiatives, like the organization’s annual Community Impact Grants. Last year’s event proceeds allowed the Community Foundation to award $75,000 in the 2024-2025 grant cycle to local nonprofits serving West Tennessee.
“The funds raised for The Charity Gala are vital to helping us expand the impact we make in our community. They give us the opportunity to support programs like Rockabillys Readers at United Way of West Tennessee,” said Haley Fortune, Community Impact Manager for the Community Foundation. “Through our grants, we helped launch the reading program in Madison County, and in its first year, Rockabilly Readers had 760 students participate, reading 565,500 minutes over the course of the school year.”
In addition to fundraising, The Charity Gala recognizes local leaders who are steering growth and change in the area. At this year’s event, 11 individuals will be receiving awards:
Alice and Carl Kirkland – Tigrett Award
Dr. Sandra Dee and Eduardo Morales – May and Dr. A. Barnett Scott Service Award
Trista and Charlie Havner – Jackson Award for The Arts
Melissa Spurgeon – Jackson Award for Education
G. Robert Hopper, D.D.S. – Jackson Award for Healthcare
David McCall – Jackson Award for Leadership
Wendy Trice Martin – Jackson Award for Volunteer Service
Tim Stratton – Jackson Award for Youth
“We have a great group of award recipients this year, and we are proud to honor them for their work in our community,” said Beth Koffman, Chief Operating Officer for the Community Foundation. “These awards shine a spotlight on the individuals working behind the scenes to improve our community and reflect the growth, diversity, and future of Jackson.”
Join the Community Foundation to “Light Up the Night” and celebrate the art, music, and culture of West Tennessee. This year’s theme celebrates the local delights of the region, featuring entertainment by Jackson’s own Music By Kota and an art gallery of West Tennessee artists.
Tickets for the Charity Gala are $2,500 for a table of eight or $350 per individual ticket, which includes cocktail hour, silent auction, seated dinner and live entertainment. Sponsorships are available starting at $3,500. To make your reservations, contact Haley Fortune by email at haley@cfwtn.org or call (731) 984-2146.
The Charity Gala is the largest annual fundraiser hosted by the Community Foundation of West Tennessee. The event includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner, award presentations, live music, and dancing. Proceeds from the event support critical community initiatives. The Charity Gala has come to be recognized as one of West Tennessee’s “most elegant events.” Learn more about the event at www.TheCharityGala.org.
The Community Foundation of West Tennessee was established in 1985 to strengthen the health and well-being of the region by serving as a catalyst for positive changes in the arts, education, healthcare, and other causes. It enhances the quality of life for residents by supporting programs, initiatives, and organizations serving rural West Tennessee. Learn more at www.cfwtn.org.
