On the Circuit: Crafting Change

The Crafting Change philanthropic celebration benefiting The Family Center is a precious jewel in the world of luncheon fundraisers. This year on a glorious fall day 200 plus attendees made their way to the Virgin Hotel in the heart of historic Music Row for the 6th annual fall fete. Some twenty local artisans tempted the standing-room-only crowd of shoppers with their creative wares and sipping wine while shopping was heartily encouraged.

Once seated in the oh-so-cool ballroom of this hip boutique hotel, guests were personally greeted by President and CEO, Susan Galeas, who made her way to every table. The award ceremony honoring this year’s changemakers promptly followed a luscious lunch and it was quickly evident why so many were in attendance. The Family Center uses all their resources to create resilient communities where all children thrive by breaking intergenerational cycles of childhood trauma through evidence-based programs. To put it simply, they change lives, change families and change children’s futures. This awards luncheon was an opportunity to showcase two of their honorees and the room was overflowing with their family and friends.

Dr. Jill Obremskey, a board member, pediatrician and a passionate voice for children and their potential for flourishing, received the Activating Change Award. In fact, she has made The Family Center her life’s mission now and serves in multiple ways as an advocate for families.

The Raising Resilience Award went to Teanna Arnold, a single, working mom and MTSU student with two boys and a complex extended family situation which initially brought her to The Family Center. She serves on the Parent Leadership Council and embraces The Family Center as her parenting village.

Guests were clearly captivated by the moving stories of the impact this organization has made on almost 1,000 families and 2,000 professionals trained this year through their programs. There was an air of anticipation in the room as Galeas thanked the enthusiastic patrons for attending and challenged them to continue their support of The Family Center. “Together with local artisans we are “crafting change” for children and families in our community”, she said, “and we want every one of you to join us”.