Booker Scruggs and Lillie Wills with Virginia and David Polley. Ms. Wills' volunteer involvement runs the width and breadth of the Chattanooga arts scene. She has served on numerous boards, including the Hunter Museum of American Art, the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, and the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, among others.
photo by Andrew Clark
Eloise Robbins with husband Mickey. Mr. Robbins is a well-known investment executive who has a passion for history and writes extensively on the subject. A member of Chattanooga's Scholze clan, Mr. Robbins' encyclopedic knowledge of genealogy and local lore is legendary.
photo by Andrew Clark
Phillips and Charles Sanford, sons of honoree Julia Grosvenor Sanford and husband Keith
photo by Andrew Clark
Maxine Robertson and Sally Faulkner. Mrs. Robertson serves on the board of directors of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, while Mrs. Faulkner and her husband, Buddy, support a variety of arts institutions around town, including the Hunter Museum of American Art.
photo by Andrew Clark
Hazel Hutcheson Bell and Victoria VanCura, daughter of Ballet Tennessee's founders. Victoria recently moved back to Chattanooga to take a leadership role within her family's dance organization. Mrs. Bell is known not only for her work with Ballet Tennessee, but for mentoring at-risk young women in our community, among a variety of other volunteer endeavors.
photo by Andrew Clark
Catherine Clark Crabtree and husband Robert are known as a friendly, fun and generous couple, supporting arts and charitable organizations throughout Chattanooga
photo by Andrew Clark
Ballet Tennessee, a much-touted Chattanooga dance company founded by Anna Baker-VanCura and her late husband, Barry VanCura, hosted a dinner Saturday in the Silver Ballroom of the Read House to thank two important supporters.
Mayor Andy Berke was recognized for his recent support of Ballet Tennessee, while treasurer of the organization's board of directors, native Memphian Julia Grosvenor Sanford, was recognized for her longtime work with the organization both in volunteer capacities and in financial contributions.
Mayor Berke and wife Monique have two children.
Julia and husband Keith Sanford have four children and make their home on Lookout Mountain.
Mr. Sanford is a 30-year member of the First Tennessee Bank team and now serves as its president. The Sanfords support a variety of arts and charitable organizations in the community.
Mayor Berke's brief speech was highlighted by his commitment to the arts in Chattanooga, specifically the art of dance within the community.
Following a cocktail hour and silent auction, more than 250 guests dined on a delicious seated dinner of beef tenderloin with crab cakes, haricot vert with creamed potatoes, and crème brulee and chocolate fudge cake.
A live auction followed the dinner, and included an array of items ranging from fine jewelry to paddle boards.
Post dinner entertainment included a performance by Ballet Tennessee dancers, and music and dancing for guests.