Last Wednesday, August 11th, was our big Celebration at Lakeshore Park and it was well worth the time it took to plan and host! The stunning park venue was made even better with the cooperation of Mother Nature, who held off the rain and provided a gorgeous evening with a light breeze and radiant sunset.
The evening began with mixed drinks and yard games outside of Marble Hall while the online art auction pieces were displayed within the Hall for any potential bidders. Delicious food stations were set up around the tent by chef Peter Glander of Knox Provisions, and the Tap Truck was on hand to provide cold beers.
After an introduction by ETCDC Board President Scott Busby, AIA, Knoxville Parks & Recreation Department Director Sheryl Ely spoke briefly on Lakeshore and the park system as a whole. Following that, Landscape Architect John Ridenour of Nelson Byrd Woltz spoke on the exciting master plan for Lakeshore Park and what we can expect to see there in the future.
Our main program included the presentation of our two annual awards. First was the Annette Anderson Directors' Award (you can read more about the award here), which was presented to local Knoxville nonprofit CareCuts, which serves the homeless by providing free haircuts and grooming the first Sunday of every month. Next, the Bruce McCarty Community Impact Award (read more about it here) was given to local lawyer Tom McAdams, Esq. for his behind-the-scenes service to a number of local projects from the World's Fair to the Miller's Building downtown to Lakeshore Park.
It was a fun evening with wonderful friends; we couldn't have asked for a better fundraiser. To all of those that worked on this event, came to this event, and sponsored this event, we thank you. Special thanks to LHP Capital for being our Dogwood Presenting Sponsor!
We can only do what we do to make East Tennessee better because of your generosity! Here's to a great rest of 2021 and start to 2022!
If you'd like to see more photos from the event, click here to go to our Flickr album.