RIFA Canstruction 2018 was off and running this year with displays of “ shock and wonder” as some defied the laws of gravity. There was a two-finger split baseball hand structure, a shark coming up out of the water with his big mouth open and numerous structures that made you say “Wow!”. All of the structures were huge contributions that the RIFA Food Bank needs.

Union University’s 21st Annual Scholarship Banquet was held on October 21 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to a sold-out crowd. Prior to a concert by MercyMe, Dr. Dub Oliver interviewed three Union students about their experience at the University. Student panelists were David Kagaruki, Binh Morris, and Anna Strand. The dominant point each made was the sincere attention the teachers provided to their students.

The Jackson-Madison County Library Foundation held its 8th Annual Books of Madison County on August 21 at the Jackson Fairgrounds. Many community members came out to support the library at the event that has grown consistently. Attendees enjoyed a catered dinner, entertainment and a silent auction.

On Saturday, July 28, Toast of Jackson, a fine wine and art festival and celebration of local and regional wineries, was held at the Jackson Fairgrounds.

The event raises funds for the Exchange Club of Jackson and the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) formally dedicated the new Special Agent De’Greaun ReShun Frazier TBI Crime Laboratory and Regional Headquarters at a groundbreaking ceremony. It will be located on 350 Smith Lane south of McKeller-Sipes Regional Airport.

Friends of Heart celebrated their two-year anniversary at Bistro Eleven Sixty on Thursday evening, July 26. The celebration was well attended, and guests enjoyed hearing about all of the fund’s accomplishments in and for the community since its 2016 founding. Friends of Heart, a fund of the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, works with West Tennessee Heart and Vascular Center to expand the level of care and services offered to the heart patients of West Tennessee. Their goal is “to bring cutting edge technology and resources to our own communities.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Jackson is celebrating its 50th year of serving the Jackson community’s youth this year, and on Thursday evening, June 7, a cocktail reception was held at the beautiful home of Carl and Alice Kirkland. Many local supporters of the non-profit organization came out to celebrate alongside the dedicated staff who carry out the daily mission of the Boys and Girls Club.

On a typical hot, steamy July day, Jackson National Golf Club hosted Redemption Road Rescue’s first Horsin’ A Round Golf Tournament. Organizer, Dana Talkington, assembled a wonderful committee and put together an amazing event, with a starting line-up of 17 teams. Tom Talkington, owner of the golf club, said “during my 40 plus years of hosting golf tournaments, I have never seen a first tournament starting line-up like this.” With the help of Redemption Road Rescue volunteers, JT, the donkey, and Franklin, the miniature horse, the golf carts scrambled to reach their designated holes. All went well and an exhilarating day was had by all!

The Jackson Exchange Club – Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse held their 11th annual Field of Flags dedication on the lawn of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 22. The over 1,000 American flags flew until June 9 and honored the following important groups: children who have lost their lives because of neglect and abuse; military who served and are presently serving; first responders – firefighters, police and EMS.

The board of the Kirkland Cancer Center and their friends held the second annual Simply Southern event at the home of Jeb & Caroline Campbell on Friday evening, May 11. The event was held to raise funds for the center and to further its mission to serve the area’s cancer patients.

Relay for Life of Madison County was held on Friday evening, May 4 at the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market in downtown Jackson. Companies, teams and individual participants who, together, have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization gathered together amongst survivors, their families and other community members for an evening of raising further awareness and funds.

Dr. Eric Sievers, a cardiothoracic surgeon, shared information about Cardiovascular Assistive Devices as well as “Heart Recovery Reunion” at the Friends of the Heart event held at Flatiron Grill on April 26. In addition to the presentation, attendees heard patient testimonials and enjoyed refreshments.

The Barn at Snider Farms was bustling with people and the sounds of great music at the annual Boots, Bands & Bingo fundraiser hosted by the Jackson Service League. The event, held on March 31, featured a great time playing bingo, listening to entertaining music by the Kimberlie Helton Band and the opportunity to bid on quality items at a silent auction. Proceeds raised from Boots, Bands & Bingo benefitted Jackson Service League, Inc. where they will later be distributed to local women’s and children’s non-profits.

On Saturday, April 14, many came out for a great time for a great cause at Crawfish for A Cure, an event with Haltom Home Team, a new Relay for Life Madison County participating group. The event raised funds for the American Cancer Society, which is the driving force behind Relay for Life. Community members enjoyed great food, corn hole games, comradery and music by Reverend Jessie and the Holy Smokes.

On Thursday, April 12, United Way of West Tennessee held its fifth annual First Ladies’ Luncheon. It was an afternoon to celebrate the organization’s work in the community as well as recognize those who give.

What an impressive evening sponsored by The Jackson Sun and Jackson Area Business and Professional Women (JBPW). The J. Walter Barnes Conference Center was packed as many came out to support the 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee, Outstanding Woman Military Veteran, and the Sue Shelton White Award Winners. Stacy Miller, President of JBPW, welcomed the crowd and also led the Pledge of Allegiance. Presentation of the colors was given by the Girl Scouts Heart of the South. Esther Gray Lemus powerfully sang our National Anthem. Special guests included Mayor Jerry Gist, Harbert Alexander Sr., Leland Burress and Mike Jung.

The 2018 Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration took place at the Carl Grant Center on Union University Campus. The entry hall was decorated to welcome guests and get them in the right state of mind. Kyle Spurgeon and Ryan Porter have worked hard to bring new growth and development to the face of the Chamber.

There was a great celebration at the Oman Arena, where the Jackson-Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce held the 17th Annual Jewel Awards. Lively soul music was playing as guests arrived for the evening’s festivities. The caterer was Carolyn Reed of Brownsville, and she provided very organized and expedient service for the dining guests.

West Tennessee’s Go Red for Women was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center to a standing-room-only crowd. Female heart disease survivors were recognized including Savannah Conley, a very young mother and wife whose maternal side of the family had severe heart disease. On the evening of the dinner, Savannah was present with her new heart and her young daughter to walk the survivor runway with joy and pride. Approximately $197,000 was raised for the Heart Association.