The fifth annual “Lights. Camera. Fashion.” was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. There were five celebrity judges: Chanley Sha’Painnter, actress; Greg Bates, songwriter; Katie Guevara, New York fashionista; Shelley Skidmore, songwriter; and Jeffrey Howard, magazine publisher.
Read MoreIn 2008 the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Columbus, Mississippi one of “America’s Distinctive Destinations.” “As one of the best kept secrets in the state of Mississippi, it is an unrivaled destination for anyone who enjoys Southern architecture, savors down-home cooking, and seeks an escape to the great outdoors,” said Richard Moe, past president of the National Trust.
Read MoreThe New Southern Hotel in downtown Jackson was host to the first 2016 fundraiser for the Jackson Symphony. This year’s theme was “A Southern Speakeasy” where guests came dressed in their roaring 20s dresses and suits.
Read MoreIt was a monumental day at the University of Memphis Lambuth campus as dignitaries assembled to hear the grand announcement from West Tennessee Healthcare. President & CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare, Bobby Arnold, announced the $2.5 million dollar endowment to be used for scholarships to nursing students of the Lambuth Campus nursing program.
Read MoreBrides-to-be planned for their special day at the 2016 Bridal Show held on January 10. Everything needed to plan a wedding was under one roof at West Tennessee’s annual premier bridal show held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. This year’s theme was “Rings of Love,” and the event drew vendors from all over the Mid-South to showcase wedding products and services in multiple categories. Caterers, bridal venues, travel agencies, beauty consultants and jewelers were among the plentiful resources.
Read MoreThe following is an excerpt from an an article in the February 2016 issue.
Recently I had the pleasure of re-visiting Lexington, Kentucky, a charming city with an abundance of attractions and an easy drive to horse country. I had not been to Lexington in a decade or so. Much has changed since then, especially downtown with an ice skating rink and several popular eateries including Sawyer’s which “Southern Living” claims has THE best hamburger! I wanted more time to explore the city, but I was torn because I had an instant love affair with my host hotel—the Gratz Park Inn.
Read MoreBlue Strong, an event honoring Madison County Law Enforcement, started by Rev. Bill & Ann Luther in 2015, was held again in 2016 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. There were approximately 800 in attendance. The program combined the Rifle Corp, Honor Guard units, Shelby County Pipe & Drum Corp, Gospel Quartet ”Kindred Souls,” Tactical Squad, K9 Units, and a recognition for the Sheriff Deputy killed last year.
Read MoreIt may have been the opposite of summer outside, but everyone came in their beach attire for the “Night in the Caribbean“ fundraiser for the Dream Center. The featured event was “Jefferson Starship,” which was formed in the early 70s from members of Jefferson Airplane. Paul Kantner and David Freiberg were founding members and drummer Donny Baldwin has been a member since 1986.
Read MoreThe following is an excerpt of an article from the February 2016 issue.
Bill White grew up in the small community of Nutbush near Brownsville, Tennessee. He attended the University of Tennessee at Martin for two years, and he graduated from UT-Knoxville with an accounting degree. He moved to Jackson in 2008 to become Community Bank President of First Tennessee Bank of Jackson. His wife, Lorie, grew up in Wabash, Indiana. They have been married for 35 years.
Read MoreExcitement was in the air as guests and patrons arrived at the Carl Perkins Civic Center for the 26th annual West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation Gala. An estimated $200,000 was raised this year through sponsors, a silent auction, table purchases and donations.
Read MoreThe 5th Annual Ladies Night Out at Robert’s Jewelers was once again a rousing success. Held over two nights, with ticket sales benefitting the American Heart Association on one night and a local charity on the other, it was a sellout event. This year the local charity was S.T.A.T. (Saving the Animals Together). Tickets were $10, and Robert’s matched the ticket sales, producing a $2,000 donation to each charity.
Read MoreUSJ’s Christmas Holiday Mart Preview Party held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center filled the center with more merchandise than you can look at in one trip. The Main floor was packed from the full lobby to the side hallways and into the Tennessee Room. The sponsors’ food section was downstairs and was a delight to sample.
Read MoreThe following is an excerpt of an article from the December/January issue of VIP Jackson.
Greg Alexander has been called a serial entrepreneur as he has used his education, enthusiasm and entrepreneurship in multiple business and philanthropic ventures during his career. Greg is a native of Savannah, Tennessee, but he has called Jackson home since 1996. He graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing.
Read MoreOn November 6, Union University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of its new library, The Logos, which was under construction for 16 months.
Read MoreThe following is an excerpt of an article in the December/January issue of VIP Jackson.
Christmas with Southern Lady, Volume 2, is a second installment of holiday inspiration published by Hoffman Media. The first volume appeared in 2013. Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Kathleen Whaley, Editor of Southern Lady Magazine and editor of Christmas with Southern Lady, about Hoffman Media’s lovely new holiday book.
Read MoreOnce again Oakmont House was the place to be at the 2015 Patron’s Party for the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation. The hosts were Robert Walden and Jim Norton.
Read MoreThe following is an excerpt of an article in the November issue of VIP Jackson.
Bob began his funeral service career at the age of 7 years old at Bodkin Funeral Home in Milan, TN. He became intrigued and interested in funeral service when his grandfather died in 1963. His neighbor, Ralph Jones, owned the funeral home, and Bob left school every afternoon to go to the funeral home and ride home with his neighbor. Weekends were spent at the funeral home.
Read MoreNew York Times columnist David Brooks was the featured speaker for the 18th Union University Scholarship Banquet held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to a sellout audience. David is a writer of several books including The Road to Character. In this book, ten effective individuals demonstrate how character is developed through selflessness. A focus and development of one’s inner self leads to a rich and fulfilled life. The Union University Choir performed three a capella selections to the delight of the audience.
Read MoreThe Jackson-Madison County Library Foundation held a successful fundraiser this year at Jackson Fairgrounds Park honoring Frances Mayes. Frances and her husband, Edward, were gracious to the 270 people who came to hear Frances discuss her book “Under the Tuscan Sun.” For two and a half years the book was a best seller even though it was written and published 20 years ago. The movie is what breathed life into a hidden treasure, a book of “Hope & New Beginning.”
Read MoreVIP Jackson Magazine
Socializing Throughout West Tennessee!
