The Exchange Club – Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse held the 23rd Blue Suede “United in Love” Dinner and Auction at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The silent auction featured a wide variety of items. At the end of dinner there was a live auction, which featured cabin stays, a one-of-a-kind signed guitar, and a destination wedding package.

The Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of West Tennessee hosted their fourth annual First Ladies Luncheon on March 2nd at the Jackson Fairgrounds. Brad and Kristi Montague, owners of Montague Workshop, were the keynote speakers. They had everyone looking through the eyes of children. Brad is the creator of Kid President, and Kristi is a photographer and designer. Caty Davis, Miss Lexington, delighted everyone singing the national anthem and closing song.

After a one-year hiatus, the Crystal Ball came back bigger and better! Under the direction of Brenda Whalley and her committee, the Jackson Symphony League presented a fabulous event that included a Champagne Reception, Silent Auction, Wine Pull, Diamond Martinis, Dinner and Dancing to the sounds of Juliet and the Romeos. Highlighting the evening was the presentation of eleven Senior Ambassadors who have served the Symphony for the past four years.

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.