First Things First celebrated 10 years of strengthening families in the community with a celebration presented by Covenant Transport Group Inc. and event chairs Doug and Chris Fisher.
Frank W. Abagnale Jr., the subject of the movie Catch Me If You Can, was the featured speaker. Mr. Abagnale shared his poignant story of a young man with so much potential headed down a destructive path who managed to turn his life around before it was too late.
Mr. Abagnale touched on the impact of his parent’s divorce on his life and how he ran away from reality and became the world’s greatest con artist. These were his closing words: “Remember what being an adult is: It has nothing to do with money or rewards. A real man loves and is faithful to his wife. You will do nothing greater in your life than be a great spouse and parent.”
In addition to Mr. Abagnale’s message, several individuals and companies were recognized for their support of FTF. Mr. and Mrs. Scott L. Probasco Jr. received the Spirit of the Family Vision Award; Unum was recognized with the Spirit of the Family Partnership Award; Sunny 92.3 WDEF was given the Spirit of the Family Impact Award; and the Family Legacy Award was awarded to Mrs. William L. Taylor, Jr. and the Late Mr. Taylor.
“First Things First is very fortunate to have such significant support in our community,” said Julie Baumgardner, president and executive director. “However, our mission is far from over. A tremendous amount has been accomplished in 10 years. As we launch into our second decade we want to continue to provide our community with excellent resources to help build strong marriages and families.”
Close to 1,600 people were in attendance. The evening was emceed by David Glenn, chief meteorologist for WTVC News Channel 9.
Among those present were Chris and Ellen Moore, Scott and Alexis Probasco, Greg and Zane Brown, Ben and Susan Probasco, Brent and Betsy Taylor, Claude and Jan Ramsey, Mike and Susan Acuff, Valerie and Eron Epstein, Virgil and LaFonda McGee, David and Marcia Barnes, Oscar and Meg Brock, Frank and Delisa Cowden, Rodger and Suzanne Piersant, Mark and Ann Caldwell, Craig and Terri Holley, Ryan and Beth Murphy, Pete and Mary Ellen Cignaovich, Mindy Clark, Frank and D'Arcy Hughes, Earl and Cindy Cornette, Joe and Anne Donnovin, Jim Brexler, Nancy Poston, Mack and Liz Hedges, Marc and Nancy Cromie, Mike and Judy St. Charles, Steve and Sue Sawrie, John and Glenda Henegar; Hugh and Verbie Prevost, Bill Hicks, Hal and Leisa Hill, Jeff and Mary Hollingsworth, Matt McGauley and Sara Webb, Brian and Ericka Johnson, Mike and Beverly Langley, Jon and Nancy Logue, Mike and Kari McCleery, Bob and Doris Ann Best, Randy and Jodi McCoy, Ralph and Nell Mohney, Buddy and Linda Mosley, Diane Parks, Ron and Lanis Littlefield, and Dan and Scottie Summerlin.
The First Things First 10th Anniversary Celebration was sponsored by Covenant Transport Group Inc., Cornette and Associates, Personal Fitness Specialists, Sports Barn, Wingfield Scale Company, Hobby Lobby, Jon and Nancy Logue, Joseph Decosimo & Company, Southern Champion Tray, SunTrust, Belk Department Stores, Coker Tire & Auto, Cornerstone Community Bank, First Tennessee, McCoy Management, Miller & Martin, Shaw Industries, The Krystal Company, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Zycron Computer Services, Erlanger Health System, First Volunteer Bank, Grace Academy, Komatsu International, and Mr. and Mrs. R.B. Davenport III.