The Equal Opportunity Awards Gala is the Knoxville Area Urban League’s most significant fundraising event of the year, and a celebration of the Volunteer of the Year, Minority Business, Corporate Leadership and Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement award winners. The evening is a celebration with food, fellowship and top-flight music. The 2018 event also will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Knoxville Area Urban League.

The Emerald Youth Foundation holds its annual dinner, now in its 10th year, to honor a community leader who is making a difference in the lives of city children. The reception begins at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m. The foundation helps at-risk boys and girls through a Christian ministry of faith, education and sports programs, conducted in partnership with neighborhood churches. Hallerin Hilton Hill will be the 2018 honoree.

The University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business Alumni Awards gala celebrates the accomplishments of the college, alumni and supporters in the categories of Distinguished Alum; Entrepreneur of the Year; Outstanding Corporate Sponsor; and Outstanding Young Alum. The event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by the dinner and awards presentation. Contact the UT Office of Development & Alumni Affairs at 865-974-6083 for additional information.

The 25th annual Knoxville Award Luncheon recognizes and honors a deserving person who demonstrates his/her care for the community and its citizens. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Event begins at noon. The 2018 Knoxville Award honoree will be surprised at the event. The 24 previous honorees and their families will be invited back for the 25th anniversary celebration. All proceeds benefit Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service (SCHAS), a nonprofit, Knoxville-based organization providing homemaker and personal care services for seniors and people with…

On the 60th anniversary of “The Day the Music Died,” forensic anthropologist Dr. William M. Bass will present a lecture and slideshow about his 2007 exhumation of J.P. Richardson Jr., better known as The Big Bopper. Richardson died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, on Feb. 3, 1959. The crash also killed singers Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens and pilot Roger Peterson. In 2007, the Richardson family moved his body from a grave in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumont,…

The Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) will hold its annual membership meeting to recognize the organization’s board, corporate sponsors and volunteers. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the awards program and lunch starting at noon. Individual tickets are $25 and include a one-year individual membership. Sponsorships for tables of 10 are available for $250.

The Great Smoky Mountain Council Boy Scouts of America will honor Rick Barnes at the 2019 Distinguished Citizen Dinner. Barnes, the head coach of the Tennessee men's basketball team, has more than 650 wins and led the Vols to the 2018 SEC title last season. He has coached more than 20 NBA draft picks. Reservations are required, and funds will be accepted at the event.

The Spirit Award Dinner will honor community and business leaders Adam and Jenny Brock and Wes and Liz Stowers, the 2019 award recipients. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. The Spirit Award Dinner began in 2004 to recognize individuals who have supported the efforts of the Helen Ross McNabb Center. Robin Wilhoit of WBIR-TV Channel 10 will serve as emcee.

The Gift of Hope fundraising luncheon is an opportunity to learn more about the services that the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley provides to youth. This event is a fundraising luncheon, so at the conclusion of the program, guests will be asked to make a pledge or contribution. The 2019 event will feature the Youth of the Year finalists, who will share their stories of how the Boys & Girls Clubs impacted their lives.

The 2019 Carry the Torch luncheon, hosted by the Volunteer Ministry Center, will begin at 11:45 a.m. The luncheon is part of a Mission Fair beginning at 10 a.m. with agencies that serve the homeless presenting booths and information and interacting with attendees seeking volunteer opportunities. Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, and author of Welcome Homeless: One Man's Journey of Discovering the Meaning Of Home, is the featured speaker. Sponsorships and sponsored tables are available. There…

The News Sentinel will hold its 36th Annual Academic Achievers ceremony. Since 1985, the News Sentinel has recognized more than 9,000 East Tennessee graduating high school seniors chosen by the schools on the basis of grades and leadership in school activities and in the community. The honored students are admitted free. Guest tickets are $25.

The annual luncheon raises funds for the YWCA’s Keys of Hope Women’s Housing Program. The event begins at 11:30 a.m.; doors open at 11 a.m. The Keys of Hope Women’s Housing Program offers a 58-bed facility and counseling for women to empower them to become self-sufficient by providing safe, affordable housing for up to two years.

A business luncheon will be held in support of the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Foundation with Miss America Nia Franklin and the 2019 Class of Miss Tennessee candidates.  Franklin will be the keynote speaker. All proceeds will support the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3), which provides educational scholarships to the young women that participate in the Miss Tennessee program. More information about the luncheon is available HERE. The 2019 Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition will be held June 26-29 at Thompson-Boling Arena. Separate tickets for that…

The Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1982, celebrates sports and serves as a significant fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Ten individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for achievements in athletics, media, coaching, sports administration and officiating. David Cutcliffe, the head coach of Duke football and former Tennessee offensive coordinator, will be the guest speaker. Peyton Manning will be honored with the Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award. Hospitality begins at 5:30…

Girl Talk Inc.’s signature Fashion Show Gala is held every summer to create awareness of the organization’s mission and involve the community in a fun-filled evening benefit. The event includes a cocktail reception, dinner, program, fashion show, live entertainment and dance party. Professional women and young members of Girl Talk will walk the runway with poise, confidence and elegance. Attire: Dressy or black tie.

The Knoxville Bar Association will hold its annual dinner to pay tribute to the justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court. A cash bar reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The featured speaker will be Vicki Floyd Clark, who has devoted 30 years of her life to building capacity in organizations and inspiring community leaders. A noted speaker, facilitator, consultant and trainer, Clark was trained by Dr. Peter F. Drucker and Frances Hesselbein and served as…

Young Life Knoxville will hold its annual banquet. Young Life is a faith-based multicultural ministry that offers programs for children through adolescence.

The University of Tennessee College of Communication and Information (CCI) will hold its 50th Anniversary Gala with a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and celebration of the past, present and future. RSVP by Sept. 23 to Karli Sanders at 865-974-7464 or [email protected]. Parking is available at the Poplar Street Lot and Locust Street Garage.

The Equal Opportunity Awards Gala is the Knoxville Area Urban League’s most significant fundraising event of the year. The evening is a celebration with food, fellowship and top-flight music. Jazz, R&B and gospel singer Chanté Moore will perform. “The Clinton 12,” who desegregated Clinton High School in Anderson County, will receive the Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. Other award winners to be recognized are: John Nolan of SunTrust Bank, Volunteer of the Year; Gam’s Hair Fashions and owner…

The Emerald Youth Foundation holds its annual dinner, now in its 11th year, to honor a community leader who is making a difference in the lives of city children. The reception begins at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m. James A. Haslam II, founder of Pilot and chairman of the board for Pilot Flying J, will be the 2019 honoree. Emerald Youth helps at-risk boys and girls through a Christian ministry of faith, education and sports programs,…

The 26th annual Knoxville Award Luncheon recognizes and honors a deserving person who demonstrates his/her care for the community and its citizens. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Event begins at noon. The 2019 Knoxville Award honoree will be surprised at the event. All proceeds benefit Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service (SCHAS), a nonprofit, Knoxville-based organization providing homemaker and personal care services for seniors and people with disabilities of all ages in the community. For more information, email [email protected] or call Jessica…

The Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) will hold its annual membership meeting to recognize the organization’s board, corporate sponsors and volunteers. The event includes networking, lunch and program.

The annual Distinguished Citizen Dinner (DCD) celebrates a Tennessean and kicks off the Friends of Scouting fundraising campaign. The DCD supports more than 13,000 young people and volunteers served by the Great Smoky Mountain Council Boy Scouts of America (BSA) throughout 21 counties in East Tennessee. Tables may be purchased outright or assembled by table hosts.

(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event has been postponed until the fall.) The Gift of Hope fundraising luncheon is an opportunity to learn more about the services that the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley provides to youth. This event is a fundraising luncheon, so at the conclusion of the program, guests will be asked to make a pledge or contribution. A ticket is not needed; RSVP by email to [email protected] or call 865-232-1172…

(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event has been postponed.) The East Tennessee Volunteer Recognition Awards (ETVRA), an initiative of Volunteer East Tennessee, recognizes outstanding adult and youth volunteers serving nonprofit and community organizations. Tickets are available HERE.

(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event was postponed until Aug. 25.) The Spirit Award Dinner, which began in 2004, recognizes individuals who have supported the efforts of Helen Ross McNabb Center and have made significant contributions to the community. The 2020 honorees will be Beth Haynes and Russell Biven of WBIR Channel 10 for their overall efforts in support of the center and its programs. The event includes cocktails, silent auction and dinner. Contact Lindsay Hughes…

(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event has been postponed.) The 2020 Carry the Torch luncheon, hosted by the Volunteer Ministry Center, will begin at 11:45 a.m. The luncheon is part of a Mission Fair beginning at 10 a.m. with agencies that serve the homeless presenting booths and information and interacting with attendees seeking volunteer opportunities. The featured speaker will be Krista Tippett, a New York Times best-selling author, journalist and host of NPR's  "On Being." Sponsorships…

(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event was postponed until Aug. 13.) YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley will host its Keys of Hope Luncheon, now in its 10th year, in support of its Keys of Hope Women’s Program. The event begins at 11:30 a.m.; doors open at 11 a.m. The Keys of Hope Women’s Program offers a 58-bed facility and counseling for women to empower them to become self-sufficient by providing safe, affordable housing for up…

(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event has been postponed.) The 2020 Carry the Torch luncheon, hosted by the Volunteer Ministry Center, will begin at 11:45 a.m. The luncheon is part of a Mission Fair beginning at 10 a.m. with agencies that serve the homeless presenting booths and information and interacting with attendees seeking volunteer opportunities. The featured speaker will be Krista Tippett, a New York Times best-selling author, journalist and host of NPR’s  “On Being.” Sponsorships and…

(As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event has been canceled in 2020. The 2021 event will be held April 6.) The Spirit Award Dinner, which began in 2004, recognizes individuals who have supported the efforts of Helen Ross McNabb Center and have made significant contributions to the community. The 2020 honorees will be Beth Haynes and Russell Biven of WBIR Channel 10 for their overall efforts in support of the center and its programs. The event includes cocktails, silent…

As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event has been canceled. A virtual component with the featured speaker is pending. The Knoxville Bar Association will hold its annual dinner to pay tribute to the justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court and to provide a social gathering for Knoxville attorneys with judges of the Tennessee trial and appellate courts and judges of the U.S. District Court. The featured speaker will be Rick Barnes, head coach of the University of Tennessee men's…

(As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event has been canceled in 2020.) Young Life Knoxville will hold its annual banquet. Young Life is a faith-based multicultural ministry that offers programs for children through adolescence.

(As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event has been canceled in 2020 and will return in 2021.) The Equal Opportunity Awards Gala is the Knoxville Area Urban League’s most significant fundraising event of the year. Additional details to come.

(Due to continued concerns about COVID-19, this event has been postponed to Sept. 21.) The Spirit Award Dinner, which began in 2004, recognizes individuals who have supported the efforts of Helen Ross McNabb Center and have made significant contributions to the community. The 2021 honorees will be Beth Haynes and Russell Biven of WBIR Channel 10 for their overall efforts in support of the center and its programs. The event includes cocktails, silent auction and dinner. Contact Lindsay Hughes at…

Girl Talk’s 10th Annual Fashion Show Gala will mark a special milestone year for its beloved signature event. The 10th anniversary event will feature a “Through the Decades” theme with looks from eras of fashion history both past and present. The 2021 gala will be in a hybrid format with the option to attend in-person or stream the show live. The gala features a silent auction, seated dinner, live band, dancing, awards presentation, and, as always, a fashion show. Attire…

The Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1982, celebrates sports and serves as a significant fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Ten individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for achievements in athletics, media, coaching, sports administration and officiating. Peyton Manning, former Tennessee and NFL quarterback, will be the guest speaker. The 2021 class includes Heather Sumpter Blakemore (track & field); Mike Caldwell (football); former UT assistant coach David Cutcliffe (football);…

YOKE Youth Ministries will hold its annual fundraising banquet to highlight some of the ways that YOKE transforms communities by mentoring middle school students, equipping young leaders, engaging local churches and enriching local schools. The event is open to the public, and registration is required. Attendees can invest or make a pledge; all proceeds benefit the organization's programs and services in Knox, Blount, Loudon, Anderson, Jefferson, and Grainger counties.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, this event has been canceled. The Knoxville Bar Association will hold the Bench & Bar Celebration to recognize the efforts of local judges to keep courts operating safely and efficiently during a pandemic and also offer a chance for judges and lawyers to gather, recognize the mutual commitment to justice, greet old friends, renew acquaintances and celebrate the strength of the bench and bar. The event will be held on the outdoor terrace of the…

Due to the ongoing pandemic, this event has been postponed until Dec. 16, 2021 The 2021 Carry the Torch luncheon, hosted by the Volunteer Ministry Center, will begin at 11:45 a.m. The luncheon is part of a Mission Fair beginning at 10 a.m. with agencies that serve the homeless presenting booths and information and interacting with attendees seeking volunteer opportunities. The benefit luncheon will feature Father Gregory J. Boyle, a New York Times best-selling author and founder of Homeboy Industries…

The Equal Opportunity Awards Gala is the Knoxville Area Urban League’s most significant fundraising event of the year in a celebration with food, fellowship and top-flight music. Howard Hewett Jr., a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and former lead vocalist of award-winning R&B group Shalamar, will perform in 2021. Awards will be presented to Volunteer of the Year, Minority Business, Corporate Leadership and Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement winners. The COVID-19 protocols for the gala will mirror those in place at…

The University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business Alumni Awards gala, now in its 11 year, celebrates the accomplishments of the college, alumni and supporters four categories. The 2021 award winners are Larry Carroll, Distinguished Alum; Jerry Bostelman, Outstanding Entrepreneur; FedEx, outstanding corporate partner; and Dena vonWerssowetz, outstanding young alum. The event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by the dinner and awards presentation. Contact the UT Office of Development & Alumni Affairs at 865-974-6083…

The Emerald Youth Foundation will hold its annual dinner, now in its 13th year, to honor a community leader who is making a difference in the lives of city children, and, in 2021, celebrate Emerald Youth’s 30th anniversary. Alvin Nance, CEO of Development for LHP Capital, will be the 2021 honoree. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. for a walk-through experience of the past 30 years, and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. Emerald Youth serves young people in center-city Knoxville…

The 28th annual Knoxville Award Luncheon recognizes and honors a deserving person who demonstrates his/her care for the community and its citizens. The 2021 Knoxville Award honoree will be surprised at the event at the Knoxville Convention Center. The event also has the option to attend virtually; guests can pick up their meals at the Convention Center between 11 a.m. and noon. For more information, email Jessica Popek at [email protected] or call 865-386-8628. All proceeds benefit Senior Citizens Home Assistance…

The 2021 Carry the Torch luncheon, hosted by the Volunteer Ministry Center, will begin at 11:45 a.m. The luncheon is part of a Mission Fair beginning at 10 a.m. with agencies that serve the homeless presenting booths and information and interacting with attendees seeking volunteer opportunities. The benefit luncheon will feature Father Gregory J. Boyle, a New York Times best-selling author and founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California, now the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in…

The Knoxville Area Urban League will hold its annual membership meeting to recognize the organization’s board, corporate sponsors and volunteers. The event includes networking, lunch and program. Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, the event will center around the theme of “Moving forward: It starts with us.” The keynote speaker will be Bill Haslam, who served as governor of Tennessee and mayor of Knoxville. Guests will be asked to remain masked unless eating or drinking at the annual meeting. Proof…

The Spirit Award Dinner, which began in 2004, recognizes individuals who have supported the efforts of the McNabb Center and have made significant contributions to the community. The 2022 honorees will be Mitch and Debby Steenrod. The Steenrods are ardent advocates for the McNabb Center, helping with numerous committees, fundraising events and campaigns. Their passion for military members and veterans paved the way for the McNabb Center’s Military Services program, which launched in 2016. Mitch serves as an active and…

The annual event recognizes the 2022 Project GRAD Scholarship Recipients from Austin-East and Fulton high schools and outstanding educators from the Project GRAD-supported Knox County Schools.  To help support the celebration of the scholars, tickets to attend the event are available for $35. RSVP is required to attend the event and is open until April 1 by clicking HERE.

YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley will host its 12th Annual Keys of Hope Luncheon to raise funds for the YWCA’s Keys of Hope Women’s Housing Program. The event begins at 11:30 a.m.; doors open at 11 a.m. The Keys of Hope Women’s Housing Program offers a 58-bed facility and counseling for women to empower them to become self-sufficient by providing safe, affordable housing for up to two years. Tickets are available HERE.

The11th Annual Girl Talk Fashion Show Gala is the organization's signature event that includes a cocktail hour, dinner, awards presentation, live band, upscale fashion show and dance party. The 2022 gala will feature scenes that showcase Girl Talk’s “Glow Up” over the years. Tickets are available HERE.

The Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1982, celebrates sports and serves as a significant fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for achievements in athletics, media, coaching, sports administration and officiating. Chipper Jones, an eight-time All-Star for the Atlanta Braves, 1999 National League MVP, 2008 National League batting champion and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, will be the guest speaker. Voice of the…

The Knoxville Bar Association will hold the Bench & Bar Celebration to honor the justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court and celebrate judiciary members at all levels, who have dedicated their careers to the administration of justice.  The celebration is an opportunity for judges and lawyers to gather, recognize a mutual commitment to justice, greet old friends, make new acquaintances, and celebrate the strength of the bench and bar. Brief remarks will begin at 6:45 pm. Guests will receive drink…

The Patriot Awards Gala will be held in the evening in conjunction with the 2022 Knoxville Medal of Honor Celebration. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society will give the Patriot Award to former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. "Top Gun: Maverick" Actor Glen Powell will receive the Bob Hope Award for Entertainment, NBC News Pentagon Correspondent Courtney Kube will receive the John R. "Tex" McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism, and Dr. Timothy Miller from Operation Mend will receive the Distinguished…

YOKE Youth Ministries will hold its annual fundraising banquet to highlight some of the ways that YOKE transforms communities by mentoring middle school students, equipping young leaders, engaging local churches and enriching local schools. The event is open to the public, and registration is required. Attendees can invest or make a pledge; all proceeds benefit the organization’s programs and services in Knox, Blount, Loudon, Anderson, Jefferson, and Grainger counties.

The 2022 Carry the Torch luncheon, hosted by the Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC), will begin at 11:45 a.m. The luncheon is part of a Mission Fair beginning at 10 a.m. Agencies that provide housing, general assistance, medical, and behavioral health services throughout the community, along with VMC, will present booths and interact with visitors who are looking for volunteer opportunities. The keynote speaker will be Becca Stevens, a leader, priest and entrepreneur and president of Thistle Farms, a multifaceted, international…

The Equal Opportunity Awards Gala is the Knoxville Area Urban League’s most significant fundraising event of the year in a celebration with food, fellowship and top-flight music.

The Emerald Youth Foundation will hold its annual dinner, now in its 14th year, to honor a community leader who is making a difference in the lives of city children. The Rev. Dr. Harold Middlebrook will be the 2022 honoree. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. Emerald Youth serves young people in center-city Knoxville though a Christian ministry of faith, education and sports programs, conducted in partnership with neighborhood churches and organizations.

The 29th annual Knoxville Award Luncheon recognizes and honors a deserving person who demonstrates his/her care for the community and its citizens. The 2022 Knoxville Award honoree will be surprised at the event at the Knoxville Convention Center. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the event begins at noon. For more information, email Jessica Popek at [email protected] or call 865-824-4301. Previous honorees: James Haslam II, Lindsay Young, Mary Shafer, Pat Summitt, Peyton Manning, Tee Martin, W. Jack Walker, Jim Dick,…

The Knoxville Area Urban League will hold its annual membership meeting to recognize the organization’s board, corporate sponsors and volunteers. The event includes networking, lunch and program. Dr. Charles F. Lomax Jr., the new president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League, will make his debut address, chronicling his first months in the role and sharing his vision for the future with a 2023 theme of "Onward and Upward."

The Spirit Award Dinner, which began in 2004, recognizes individuals who have supported the efforts of the McNabb Center and have made significant contributions to the community. The 2023 honorees are Richard and Joni Maples. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. For more information, contact [email protected].

YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley will host its 13th Annual Keys of Hope Luncheon to raise funds for the YWCA’s Jenny Boyd Keys of Hope Program for Women. The event begins at 11:30 a.m.; doors open at 11 a.m. The Jenny Boyd Keys of Hope Program for Women offers a 58-bed facility and counseling for women to empower them to become self-sufficient by providing safe, affordable housing for up to two years. Tickets are available HERE.

The black tie gala is the premier event of the season for Girl Talk Inc. Funds raised through The Girl Talk Fashion Show Gala in 2023 will support the growth and expansion of Girl Talk Programming and the new construction of "The Girl Talk House." The 2023 theme is "There's No Place Like Home" and represents the vision for the future of Girl Talk Inc. Tickets are available HERE.

The Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1982, celebrates sports and serves as a significant fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for achievements in athletics, media, coaching, sports administration and officiating. Other honorees include Knoxville’s Most Outstanding Male and Female High School Athletes of the Year; Chad Pennington Professional Athlete of the Year; Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award; Special Recognition; Will McKamey Spirit Award;…

The Emerald Youth Foundation will hold its annual dinner, now in its 15th year, to honor a community leader who is making a difference in the lives of city children. The 2023 event will recognize Jody Wright, who has achieved considerable success as the head basketball coach at Fulton High School, leading the Falcons to more than 800 wins and four state championship titles. He also serves as Fulton's athletics director and has been dedicated to the work of Emerald…

The Equal Opportunity Awards Gala is the Knoxville Area Urban League’s most significant fundraising event of the year in a celebration with food, fellowship and top-flight music. The 2023 event is sold out.

Carry the Torch Knoxville is an annual event that features speakers who have an impact on the issues of homelessness, mental health and families. The 2023 speaker will be Daryl Strawberry, a legendary baseball player and now an author and minister. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) and educates the public that homelessness is a community problem. Carry the Torch features a mission fair from 10-11:45 a.m. followed by a luncheon. For information regarding…

The 30th annual Knoxville Award Luncheon will recognize and honor a deserving person who demonstrates care for the community and its citizens. The 2023 Knoxville Award honoree will be surprised at the event at the Knoxville Convention Center. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the event begins at noon. For more information, contact Hannah Crider at [email protected] or 865-824-4309. Sponsorships and tickets are available HERE. Previous honorees: James Haslam II, Lindsay Young, Mary Shafer, Pat Summitt, Peyton Manning, Tee Martin,…

The Knoxville Area Urban League will hold its annual membership meeting to recognize the organization’s board, corporate sponsors and volunteers. The event includes networking, lunch and program.

YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley will host its 14th Annual Keys of Hope Luncheon to raise funds for the YWCA’s Jenny Boyd Keys of Hope Program for Women. The event begins at 11:30 a.m.; doors open at 11 a.m. The Jenny Boyd Keys of Hope Program for Women offers a 58-bed facility and counseling for women to empower them to become self-sufficient by providing safe, affordable housing for up to two years. Tickets are available HERE.

The Spirit Award Dinner, which began in 2004, recognizes individuals who have supported the efforts of the McNabb Center and have made significant contributions to the community. The 2024 honorees are Randy and Jenny Boyd. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Sponsorships and tickets can be purchased on the website or by contacting Krista Kennedy at [email protected]. Attire: Business formal.

The Dr. Robert J. Booker Memorial Alumni Banquet is part of the 145th Anniversary Austin & Austin-East Alumni Celebration on July 5-7 that also includes a celebration on campus and outdoor party on July 5 from 2-8 p.m. and a worship service at Overcoming Believers Church on July 7 at 11 a.m. The banquet starts at 5 p.m. with a reception and cash bar and includes dinner, entertainment and dancing. Emerald Youth Foundation is providing shuttles to the Knoxville Convention…

The gala, now in its 13th year, is the premier event of the season for Girl Talk Inc. The 2024 theme is "New York Nights" with a historical ride through women’s suit fashion, the evolution of hip-hop and the glitz and glamour of the Met Gala. The event begins with a cocktail hour and then transitions into dinner, awards presentation, live band and upscale fashion show. Professional women and Girl Talk girls work the runway showing poise, confidence and elegance…

The Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1982, celebrates sports and serves as a significant fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for achievements in athletics, media, coaching, sports administration and officiating. Other honorees include Knoxville’s Most Outstanding Male and Female High School Athletes of the Year; Chad Pennington Professional Athlete of the Year; Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award; Special Recognition; Will McKamey Spirit Award;…

Wesley House’s Masquerade Ball is an elegant evening of eating, drinking and dancing with a ballroom filled with community members who are passionate about Wesley House’s childcare programs. Enjoy an evening of food and entertainment with a silent auction the crowning of the King and Queen of the ball. Tickets are $150 per person or $1,400 per 10 for top tables through Aug. 31, then $175 and $1,450 and are available HERE. An exclusive VIP event is invite-only for an…

The 15th anniversary of the annual Green Gala by Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development (SEEED) will raise funds to provide pathways out of poverty for young adults through career readiness training. Hallerin Hilton Hill will serve as the master of ceremonies at the gala, which will include dinner, dancing and a live auction. Additional information is available at vipblackevents.com and seeedknox.org.

The Equal Opportunity Awards Gala is the Knoxville Area Urban League’s most significant fundraising event of the year in a celebration with food, fellowship and top-flight music. Honorees for Minority Business, Corporate Leadership and Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement awards will be recognized for their service.

The Emerald Youth Foundation will hold its annual dinner, now in its 16th year, to honor a community leader who is making a difference in the lives of city children. The 2024 event will recognize Mary Slack, a lifelong Knoxville resident who has been connected with Emerald Youth for nearly 30 years, including serving as board chair and leading a season of significant growth for the ministry in the early 2000s. She is a mother, grandmother and community leader, who,…

Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) will hold its annual Hope Rising dinner in the fall – Hope Rising, Hope Renewed … Lives Restored – with keynote guest Chris Blue. The event will feature fun and inspiring entertainment, dinner, silent auction, KARM guests sharing their remarkable stories of restoration and a few surprises. For more information, email Kylie Clark at [email protected]. KARM serves the homeless, hungry and poor in the community and in the last year provided more than 180,000 meals…