Gay Lyons' People & Parties: Coach Martin holds court at celebration luncheon
The Cancer Support Community celebrated 21 years of service and the addition of programs for children at its annual fall luncheon "Celebrating the Art of Survivorship." The event, chaired by Beth Lee, attracted a crowd of 400 who enjoyed shopping at the silent auction organized by Courtnay Carlson. The tables featured gorgeous orchid centerpieces by Pat Felts of Clay Pots Floral Events. Longtime Women's Athletic Director and Cancer Support Community board member Joan Cronan served as emcee. She touched on her late husband Tom's experience with cancer and with the support he felt through the organization. She also acknowledged the record crowd in attendance, noting that "athletic directors love sell-outs."
The keynote speaker, the highlight of the event, was new UT Men's Basketball Coach Cuonzo Martin . He related the story of the discovery of his cancer — non-Hodgkin's lymphoma — at age 26 while playing professional basketball in Italy. His message reflected the importance of support for the families and all involved in the cancer experience, and he touted the mind, body, spirit approach that the CSC takes.
Guests included Board President Robert Cathey, Christi Branscom, Margaret Backhurst, Connie and Doug Arnold, Shelly Bright, Ileen and Jimmy Cheek, Roberta Martin, Linda Davidson, Dawn Ford, Cynthia Moxley and Kathy Gethers. Also present were Gail and Allan Grossman, Steve Ross, Terry Morgan, Sue and Randy Humble, Connie Hutchins, Janet Harper, Gordon Lintz, Becky and Joe Little, Ann Skadberg, Carlton Long, Jane Martin, Karen McKinney, Mike McClamroch, Jo Ann Parker, Kendra Patty, Chris Kahn, Carol and John Sheridan, Pat Shires, Betsy Child, Ranee Taylor, Betsey Bush, Betsy Erickson, Angie Jostes, Mary and Ron Rimer, Billy Stokes, Herb Williams and Laurens Tullock.
n The Scruffy City Soiree, Knox Heritage's annual fall fundraiser, took its name from the Wall Street Journal's 1980 dismissal of Knoxville as "a scruffy little city" and invited guests to celebrate Knoxville as "a place we're proud to call home and one that garners national praise." WBIR-TV's Erin Donovan and HGTV President Jim Samples were co-hosts for the event at The Foundry, which attracted more than 250 people for an evening of spirited beverages, food, music by The Old City Buskers, and silent and live auctions featuring local art and unique experiences. Experiences included a Bloody Mary Cemetery Tour, The Union Avenue Ramble featuring businesses located along Union Avenue downtown, and a Pub Crawl with Jack Neely. Art included a crystal vase from Poland donated by former Ambassador Victor Ashe and wife Joan, hand-sewn quilts made by Ann Bennett, and a sculpture created by Preston Farabow from pieces salvaged from the Henley Bridge. Executive Director Kim Trent assisted auctioneer Bear Stephenson during the live auction's lively bidding for items, which included a stay at Mosaic Farm in South Africa and preservation-themed stays in Charleston and Washington, D.C.
Ted Russell Ford Knoxville - News
Guests included Board President Robert Cathey, Christi Branscom, Margaret Backhurst, Connie and Doug Arnold, Shelly Bright, Ileen and Jimmy Cheek, Roberta Martin, Linda Davidson, Dawn Ford, Cynthia Moxley and Kathy Gethers. Also present were Gail and
