The Jackson Fairgrounds was illuminated with blue on Saturday night, January 11 in honor of the 3rd Annual Law Enforcement Ball hosted by 731 Crime Stoppers. Members and supporters of local law enforcement got dressed up in their formalwear and enjoyed a special night out to benefit Crime Stoppers. Guests of the ball enjoyed an evening of food, entertainment and dancing, and they had the opportunity to applaud some outstanding members of law enforcement and the community who received special awards for their hard work.

From a small beginning, a vision of Ronnie & Susan Morris has become a giant that has arisen to generate funding for JDRF. This national organization was created to fight Type 1 Diabetes. T1D is an autoimmune disease requiring constant intervention and currently isn’t curable or preventable. Raj Midjah, West Tennessee Board President, and Executive Director Russ and Karen Ellis thanked everyone for their support.
The 4th Black Tie & Boxing benefitting JDRE-Type 1 diabetes brought in thirteen bouts, consisting of young youth wrestling, boxing exhibitions, kickboxing of men and women’s bouts and MMA bouts at 125# -135# - 150# - 155# -170# - 180# , with the 170# MMA Main Title bout.

Habitat for Humanity held its annual Dream Builders Gala on New Years Eve downtown at the New Southern Hotel. The Gala is becoming a tradition for many in Jackson as a way to have a great time ringing in the new year while supporting a wonderful cause. Guests enjoyed an evening with dinner, live music, games, a live auction and a champagne toast to the new year.

The STAR Center was bustling with people and the sounds of great music at the annual Boots, Bands & Bingo fundraiser hosted by the Jackson Service League. Event attendees on November 8 had a great time playing bingo, listening to entertaining music, and bidding on quality items at a silent auction.

The Dancing with the Stars 2019 fundraiser for the STAR Center, sponsored by Leaders Credit Union, was held at the Jackson Fairgrounds. This year 900 plus people reserved tables! This event was like a Broadway production with a centered raised stage, four-sided screen above the dance floor, and tables covering 95% of the floor for the guests.

The American Cancer Society’s 25th annual “Runway for a Cure” was held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center on Oct. 1. Eighteen stores participated in this year’s event! Many beautiful outfits were displayed at the runway event giving great outfit ideas to attendees! The Real Men Wear Pink group came out strong for this year’s event, too! The show opened with a Patti Lewis Memorial Presentation. Lewis lived a life which today encourages other women who face the same diagnosis. Dr. Donald R. Lewis spoke to the audience about her determined will to live her life.

Chris Tomlin—15-time Dove Award winner, Grammy Winner and one billion digital radio stream artist! Tomlin spoke of his dad giving him a guitar and telling him to listen to Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. As a teenager, opportunities kept coming to him to use his voice, and one summer he sang at a week-long youth camp.

Chonda Pierce was the guest speaker for the 2019 RIFA’s Canstruction. Keli McAlister was the emcee for the night, guiding the program with her professional presentation. Casey Jones Village’s Old Country Store Provisions Catering service performed to the highest level as the main floor and extension area were full of tables. The attendance for this worthy event was amazing, not only filling the main floor, but the balcony.

The kickoff for the 2019 Runway for a Cure’s Real Men Wear Pink was held at the Blacksmith on Wednesday, September 11. Real Men Wear Pink is a distinguished group of community leaders who are determined to raise awareness and money to support the American Cancer Society’s mission and save more lives than ever before from breast cancer.

Area Relief Ministries held their annual Salt and Light Banquet the evening of Thursday, September 12 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The organization celebrated their 42nd anniversary with special guests Country Music Legends Shenandoah. The group was celebrating their 30th anniversary and sang their grammy winning hits as well as a special tribute to Merle Haggard.

The Circles of Hope Telethon 2019 by the Jackson Exchange Club was appropriately held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. This year’s theme was “Our Color, Our Story, Our Journey.” The Exchange Club began in 1924 as an American Service Club, and Carl Perkins was instrumental in The Prevention of Child Abuse project. Over the years the initial program has evolved to encompass other aspects for the children. The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center is a non-profit organization located at 34 Starlight Cove off North Highland and University Drive. To make a donation or inquiry, call (731) 668-4000.

The Jackson-Madison County Library Foundation is dedicated to the growth and advancement of the library. Funding goes to library improvements and services. Twenty dedicated women are the guiding force behind the Library Foundation. Each year talented writers have visited Jackson through the efforts of these ladies.