On the Circuit: 2023 Sage Awards
The 31st annual Sage Awards Ceremony and luncheon, the premier fundraiser for AgeWell Middle Tennessee, was held on a recent cold and rainy day at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. The chilly weather did not dampen the spirits of the 350 enthusiastic attendees who were there to honor lifelong leaders who improve our communities and the organizations that significantly impact the lives of older adults across the region. In fact, with all the mixing and mingling, it was quite a cozy and inviting environment to spend what could have been a dreary afternoon.
Co-chairs Lynn Ragland and Sara McNally along with their committee should be applauded for taking care of every detail of the lovely luncheon, the organization of the program and the presentation of awards. Demetria Kalodimos, a household name in Nashville having anchored the WSMV News for 34 years, served as Master of Ceremonies. This year’s recipients included Byron Kamp, former AARP Middle Tennessee Volunteer Director, The Honorable Ellen Hobbs Lyle, creator of the SeniorTrust Grant Program, Mike Hodge, Organizing Director for Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH), Reverend Edwin and Attorney D. Billye Sanders, founders of Metropolitan Interdenominational Church and Byron Trauger, Nashville attorney and civic leader. Reverend Dr. Richard Gentzler was presented the Elizabeth Jacobs Distinguished Service Award, named for the founder of AgeWell.
The mission of this important organization is to champion informed and positive aging and to serve as the area’s catalyst for collaborative solutions to their unmet needs. This year, they honored the Family and Children’s Service for their work over the past 20 years helping thousands of older adults through the Relative Caregiver Program, providing support services for children and non-parental relatives. AgeWell Executive Director, Grace Smith, pointed out that Tennessee ranks 51st in the nation according to AARP in family caregiver support. “That is unacceptable and why this event is really important to the way we live out our mission”, said Smith. “Other organizations celebrate their 30 under 30 and their 40 under 40. We think it is really important to honor the sages over 60.”
We think that’s really important, too.
