The Next Door Dresses Up for its 20th Anniversary

Lovely ladies in demure black gowns welcomed friends of The Next Door to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center — a new venue befitting the milestone celebration. To commemorate the organization’s 20th year, board chair Rebecca Whitehead oversaw the first Next Door gala, an evening with cocktails, dinner and plenty of music. 

The Benefactors Reception began in the Founders Hall with delicious passed hors d’oeuvres and a string quartet to serenade guests. A full house made for close elbows, but the familiarity seemed natural for this warm group of supporters.

Dinner was divine — clearly Kristen Winston Catering. There were three salads to choose from in the perfect buffet, which included shrimp and grits, roasted veggies, corn soufflé and tenderloin. Kristen’s hallmark, a trio of three preset desserts, had a bit of lemon, a bit of caramel and a bit of chocolate. 

If that wasn’t already heavenly — and it was — celestial music ensued, clear young voices raised in celebration of young women’s lives redeemed through two decades of work by The Next Door, a treatment program for women struggling with addiction. A selection from Voxology, Belmont University’s gospel choir (think Nashville Tabernacle Choir), opened a musical presentation that gave way to Canadian singer-songwriter Tenille Townes singing her hit “Somebody’s Daughter.” Emcee Matt Rogers from Dallas guided the agenda through musical performances interspersed with information, inspiration and a little salvation through donations.

“Answered prayer is our theme for tonight,” said the Rev. Susan Jones, adding that more than 17,000 women’s lives have been saved by The Next Door over the past 20 years. Wallets may have been a little lighter on the way back to the valet, but so were hearts.