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.

The West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation’s Charity Gala is one of Jackson TN’s premier annual fundraising events. This year was the 27th anniversary of the event and took place on November 12th at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in historic downtown Jackson, TN. The Charity Gala benefits the Ayers Children’s Medical Center and Alice and Carl Kirkland Cancer Center. The affair is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event. Attendees were treated to a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner, awards presentations, live music and dancing.

Brides-to-be found all things needed to “Eat, Drink and Be Married” at the 2017 Bridal Show held on January 15. Approximately 82 vendors from across the Mid-South were under one roof at West Tennessee’s annual premier bridal show held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The annual bridal event showcased wedding products and services in multiple categories, providing plentiful resources.

The lovely Oakmont House was the setting for the 2016 Patrons Party held on November 11 for the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation. The hosts were Robert Walden and Jim Norton.

The Carl Perkins Civic Center hosted the 2016 USJ Holiday Mart Preview Party. Patrons began arriving early for a fun night of socializing, shopping and eating a variety of tasty foods. This is Jackson’s premier place for women to shop for themselves and family as we enter the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Many vendors were present from the Jackson area and there were many out-of-state vendors from as far away as Florida who came to our city to participate in the shopping extravaganza. The most intriguing aspect is the number of young families who have startup businesses.

Giant pink wooden ribbons adorned the lawn at The Ballpark for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. One hundred volunteers assisted over 2,000 people with their registrations to walk, making this event one of the largest and most successful walks ever held, raising approximately $120,000 for the American Cancer Society. More than 74 teams participated, creating a bond and camaraderie among the team members, all walking for one goal. Participants were encouraged to sign up, fundraise and walk in the noncompetitive, 3–5 mile walks.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recently held a dinner at the Jackson Country Club honoring Jackson’s Finest Young Professionals. Honorees had the responsibility of raising a minimum of $2,000 through ticket sales or sponsorships. Each honoree had their own web page where they could promote the event and solicit on-line donations and ticket sales. Honorees chosen were the most influential and successful young professionals in Jackson, and they had to exemplify servant leadership qualities and be active in volunteer roles. Twelve honorees were presented at Jackson’s Finest Evening. A delicious dinner was served and a silent auction rounded out the evening.

The 19th Annual Scholarship Banquet was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center and as guests came into the dining area they were serenaded by David McClune and the Union Jazz Band and singers Kelsie Edgren and Cameron Skonhovd.

Michael W. Smith was the entertainer of choice for Canstruction 2016 presented by RIFA. Smith has sold over 15 million albums, had 28 number-one songs, received three Grammy Awards and 40 Dove awards. At the ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Michael W. Smith was recognized as a “Cornerstone of Christian Music.”

Christy Futtrell of the American Heart Association sponsored a very special dinner at the Casey Jones Village “Farms Learning Center” as a thank-you to supporters. The theme was “Feast in the Field” and guests entered through the Colonial Civil War home that was saved and moved from Trenton by the Shaw family. On the back deck they were serenaded by The Kevin Wright group.

The Jackson Country Club recently hosted Dancing with the Stars, presented by The Star Center. The event was sold out by those who came to support their special dance team. The dance teams went all out with their costume designs. The judges had a very difficult time as all couples were well trained by their dance instructors.

The crowd starting building early at the Carl Perkins Civic Center for the 2016 “Runway for a Cure.” Attendees honor cancer survivors and patients who bravely confront the illness and hold a determination to come out the other side healed. Though they endure the treatments personally, they have support groups who strive to relieve some of the daily tasks that currently are a burden they may not be able to handle. Boutiques which supported this important cause proudly donated money so a night of awareness could be made through a fun and fashionable way. Each boutique walked the runway to showcase their latest fall fashions and help encourage the survivors.

The Jackson-Madison County Humane Society’s 18th Annual “ Puttin’ for the Pets” Golf Tournament was held at the Jackson National Golf Club. It was a furrific day for animal lovers/golfers to unite for a worthy cause. The third Monday in September has been the date for this annual fundraiser for 18 years as this is the last major fundraiser for the Jackson-Madison County Humane Society (JMCHS) each year.

This year the fairgrounds building was redecorated to spotlight all the communities which are a part of the West Tennessee State Fair. Each community had a station with literature about the community, maps of their noted spots and free gifts for the kids. Woodmen Life sponsored a First Responders Night honoring the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department and Jackson City Police.

Quilts, canopies, and lawn chairs dotted the grounds of First Presbyterian Church in preparation for the 38th annual Jackson Symphony’s Starlight Symphony. The cannon brigades unloaded their cannons as orchestra members tuned their instruments. Excitement ramped up and suddenly the air was filled with laughter and friendly greetings as the audience prepared their food and drinks to enjoy during the musical performance.

Area Relief Ministries hosted their 5K Color Run at City Hall in downtown Jackson. On this sunny September morning, runners were splashed with color at various stops along their route as they made their way around historic, downtown Jackson. The overall winner was 12-year-old Braden Riddle with a time of 20 minutes and 45 seconds.