Union University’s Carl Grant Center was the setting of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce’s “Annual Celebration” ceremony. The center was well decorated, the “DJ5” disc jockey had the lights and music rocking as guests arrived. After the registration everyone was given a drawing ticket and directed to the buffet line. Door prizes included items like an Apple Watch and iPad, and the grand prize was a 50” plasma TV.

This year marked the 22nd annual Blue Suede Dinner and Auction benefiting The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. A staple in our community, the Center now has 15 locations to aid in their mission to provide support to families in preventing and dealing with child abuse and help both parents and children meet the practical needs in preserving and improving the quality of family life.

What a fun night at the Jackson Fairgrounds, where “Boots & Bling: It’s a Heart Health Thing” was held. Attendees were encouraged to “break out their cowgirl boots, grab their besties and get ready for a girl’s night out.” Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and enjoyed dancing the night away, all while learning more about preventing the number one killer of women—heart disease.

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.

The 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.

It 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.

Brides-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.

Blue 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.

It 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.

Excitement 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.

The 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.

USJ’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.

On November 6, Union University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of its new library, The Logos, which was under construction for 16 months.