The 18th Annual Fur Ball was held at the Jackson Country Club for a large group of supporters. Event sponsors included Bruce and Dottie Dorris, The City of Jackson, Antonia's Paw Spa and Retreat, and Kirkland's. Media sponsors were VIP Jackson Magazine, Golden Circle Graphics, The Jackson Sun, WBBJ-TV, Six in the City, and Forever Communications.

The Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame held the 31st annual banquet on the evening of April 7th. This exciting evening was to give recognition to many outstanding sports figures in our community.

“A Night of Hollywood Glamour” was held at the New Southern Hotel as a fundraiser for the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation. The downstairs lobby was the host center for a glass of champagne and meeting friends before going upstairs to the ballroom or the speciality tasting room. Food was located in various locations allowing guests to visit and mingle prior to the band playing.

Christy Futrell and her band of supporters put together a fun-filled night for the American Heart Association‘s “Go Red for Women.” This event was equivalent to any New York fashion show with Macy’s as the national sponsor providing outfits for the talented lineup of local business leaders and youth participants.

The University School of Jackson presented its third annual “Boots and Bowties” fundraiser on February 20th. The night featured musical talent by Jonathan Singleton and the Grove and dinner by Coyote Blues. While USJ is known throughout West Tennessee and beyond for its annual “Holiday Mart” fundraiser, Boots and Bowties is just as important, if somewhat smaller, in raising money to help the school meet its education standards.

Augustine School hosted “An Oxford Evening,” featuring the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The room was decorated in a distinct British theme with English roses, Antique Tolkien books, an old manual typewriter and typical English foods. One of the extraordinary items on the silent auction was a trip to Oxford, England.

The Imagination Library is a program started by Dolly Parton to bring books into homes for children up to age five. Children who have not been exposed to the opportunity to read grow up without an interest in reading. The Jackson Library Association receives donations to co-fund this book program. Less funding means there are children in our area who do not receive a book.

On March 6, 2016, Lane College celebrated its 2nd annual Founder’s Day Scholarship Dinner and Gala. The event was held on the campus of Lane College in the gymnasium which was transformed into an elegant setting which included fresh flowers, trees, chandeliers and formal place setting. Attendees were greeted and escorted to their tables by students of the college.

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.