On the Circuit: AgeWell Sage Awards

This year the good folks at AgeWell Middle Tennessee seemed to embrace the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Why shouldn’t they? The 32nd Annual Sage Awards Ceremony and Luncheon, this beloved organization’s premier fundraiser, is a testament to their success. In fact, this year - no doubt influenced by the glorious fall weather - attendance surged to over 400 enthusiastic patrons. As guests mixed and mingled, they were excited to honor the 2024 award recipients: community leaders whose dedication significantly impacts the lives of older adults across the region.

Once again, co-chairs Lynn Ragland and Sara McNally, and their dedicated committee took care of every detail for the lovely luncheon – after all, why change a winning formula? Special thanks to Sallie Norton for transforming the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs ballroom into a stunning fall festival of colors. With navy and gold-clothed tables adorned with bowls of yellow, blue, and purple pansies, and a stage surrounded by beautiful mums, it was a delight to be part of this warm and inviting atmosphere.

Award-winning broadcast journalist LaTonya Tucker served as Master of Ceremonies, skillfully introducing each honoree. This year’s recipients included Christopher Puri, a long-time member of AgeWell’s Board of Directors, who received the annual Elizabeth Jacobs Distinguished Service Award, named in honor of AgeWell’s founder. Other honorees were Currie Andrews, President of the National Automobile Dealers Association; Henrietta Hardin, Public Health Laboratory Scientist at the Tennessee Department of Health; Mary Pearce, former Director of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County; Dr. Linda Rudolph, former Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services and the first AgeWell honoree from Montgomery County; Philip and Pamela Pfeffer, for whom the Lipscomb University Graduate School of Business is named; and Westminster Home Connection, a regional nonprofit dedicated to repairing and modifying homes to empower older adults.

This year’s Sage Award honorees truly embodied the spirit of those “wise through reflection and experience.” Surrounded by friends and family members of all ages – three generations of the Andrews family were present – it was abundantly clear that AgeWell’s mission to champion informed and positive aging will continue for years to come.