All posts tagged: fundraiser

Song, Stories, Sunset – Families Free Annual Fundraiser

It’s been two weeks since our annual fundraiser, and we are still feeling the love and encouragement shown to us that evening. Those in attendance heard more about the community we serve and the work we’ve put into our programs that support families across the region. Our team sends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate another year of restoration.

We also want to extend a big thank you to everyone that gave their time, gifts, and donations – without you we could not have had such a beautiful evening. Because of the generosity of our community and sponsors, we will have $121,500 from pledges to give, stock, Givebutter, and website donations to put toward programming that supports the restoration of families in East Tennessee.

Thank you to Chateau Selah for hosting us, Divine Catering Company, and to our sponsors Ginseng Mobile BarSturgill OrthodonticsSturgill EndodonticsTruistUniversal Wine and Spirits, and West Towne Pharmacy.

We also want to thank Barry Bales, Jenee Fleenor, Jason Hoard, and Mary Meyer for providing beautiful music set against the gorgeous mountain backdrop. We were honored and humbled to have Judge Stacy Street and Maggie McNally share that through their work with adults and children, respectively, they have seen firsthand how Families Free has impacted the community for the better. #LoveRestores

*featured photos taken by Bill Rambo

MeredithSong, Stories, Sunset – Families Free Annual Fundraiser
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Families Free Second Annual Fundraiser – An Evening At Chateau Selah

Driving up the hill to Chateau Selah you can’t help but anticipate the stunning views that greet you once you reach the top. On the evening of August 23rd, the crisp end-of-summer breeze met with our region’s beloved rolling hills to provide a gorgeous backdrop for our second annual Families Free Fundraiser.

Honored guests first entered the courtyard to connect with friends, our board members and our team. Everyone then gathered together to hear from our Executive Director Lisa Tipton before enjoying a delicious meal provided by the Divine Catering Company before the evening’s entertainment began.

As our Master of Ceremony Kevin Wilson took the stage, excitement grew as our attendees took their seats after dinner. Musician Barry Bales joined Kevin to reveal that the surprise guest entertainment that evening would be none other than Bluegrass Legend and Grammy Award Winning Artist – Alison Krauss! Alison, Barry, and friends filled the space with music that created a beautiful experience for all of our attendees. We’ve all experienced the power of music, so to be witness to the talent of Alison Krauss and every musician on that stage is something our guests will be thinking about for years to come.

Afterward, Lisa once again took the stage to introduce Ashley, Ally, and Sunday. All three women have worked with our team through various programs to rebuild their lives and have experienced firsthand how #LoveRestores. Our guests were able to hear their powerful stories and learn about how Families Free has impacted these women and their families.

We want to thank each and every person that attended our event and those that felt led to support our work through donations. Our fundraising event was fully sponsored, so all donations will directly impact our community. We hope that their time spent with us provided our guests with both a magical evening but also an opportunity to take a glimpse into the lives of those around us who need our support.

We also want to thank the architects of this event – Nancy Storie and Tina Wilson, as well as other Families Free Board Members for their incredible work and dedication. Thank you to our event sponsors: Bank of Tennessee, McGriff Insurance Services, Sturgill Endodontics, Sturgill Orthodontics, Universal Wine & Spirits, and Reclaimed Inspired Goods.

Thanks to Bellafina Chocolates for producing and packaging the Woven Coffee samples handed out to our guests, as well as Chateau Selah for sponsoring and hosting the event.

Once again, a thank you to our Master of Ceremony Kevin Wilson, Barry Bales and friends, Alison Krauss, and most importantly – Ashley, Ally, and Sunday for opening their hearts to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MeredithFamilies Free Second Annual Fundraiser – An Evening At Chateau Selah
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An Evening At Chateau Selah – A Families Free Fundraiser

On August 31st, Families Free collaborated with some of the area’s best businesses and organizations to host an evening filled with dinner, live music, and inspiring stories. Set against the beautiful backdrop of mountain haze and the gorgeous interiors and exteriors of Chateau Selah, our honored friends and guests first enjoyed conversation and a delicious meal provided by Mountain States Health Alliance.

 

After dinner, our Executive Director Lisa Tipton spoke about our mission, shared inspiring stories and the strength displayed by the women we work with, the goals we’ve accomplished along the way, and our hopes for the future. Shortly after, Grammy Award Winning Christian Artist Mac Powell and his talented backing musicians provided an extra dose of fun and exceptional entertainment. So naturally, when Mac asked the crowd to join together for a dance, many of them obliged!

We concluded the night with Speaker, Author and Founder of Thistle Farms – Becca Stevens. Becca, along with members of the Thistle Farms team, were available earlier in the evening to answer questions about their work and how the handmade products they produce benefit and empower the women in their program. However, it was at the end of our event that Becca took the stage to tell her story, discuss the beginning of Thistle Farms, and shared examples of how the support of her organization has helped countless women and their families.

If you are interested in learning more about Thistle Farms, you can do so here.

The evening was more than we could have imagined, and we thank everyone who donated their time and services to make this event possible. We must also extend a thank you to all the attendees and those who look to make our community a better place.

 

MeredithAn Evening At Chateau Selah – A Families Free Fundraiser
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