Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski playing for an intimate group at The Standard in downtown Knoxville.
If, as is said in 2 Corinthians, “God loveth a cheerful giver,” Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd has made God love us a little more — because he made us a little more cheerful about our giving!
How? Boyd, this year’s chair of the local United Way campaign, arranged recently for songstress Alison Krauss and several members of her band to perform a private concert at The Standard in downtown Knoxville for donors who have pledged $10,000 or more to the United Way of Greater Knoxville. About 80 people were there.
Every year, donors at this level are invited to a special dinner as members of the Tocqueville Society. But in every past year that I can recall, the speaker has been a sports figure or a politician. This was so much better for us music lovers.
Krauss and band members Dan Tyminski and Jeff White were perfectly charming in the laid-back environment, chatting with the audience, joking among themselves and posing afterwards for photos with everyone.
The United Way campaign, which ends mid-January, is 76 percent of the way to its goal this year of $13 million, which will be a record.
To pledge, please click here.
From left, Steve South, Gov. Bill Haslam and Bruce Hartmann at the Alison Krauss dinner.
My husband, Alan Carmichael, left, with University of Tennessee Chancellor Jimmy Cheek and his wife, Ilene.
From left, Brenda Boyd, Jenny Boyd and Amy Williams
Ed and Karen Pershing
From left, Tami Hartmann, Robin and Randy Gibson, and Brenda Wood
Toni Lawler, left, and Kay Clayton
Kristin and Eric Seabrook
Joe and Sharon Pryse
Angelia and Hugh Nystrom
From left, Jim Clayton, Rich Ray and Randy Boyd
Gov. Bill Haslam, left, with Jeff Chapman
From left, Melissa and Ron Feinbaum with Nazzy and H.M. “Hash” Hashemian
Randy Gibson, left, with David Collins
Steve and Becky South with Bruce Hartmann, right
Soon it was time to sit down to this beautiful salad.
And this huge entree!
The centerpieces were perfect for the casual bluegrass vibe.
United Way President and CEO Ben Landers and Lauren Stewart, also of United Way
Mike and Susan Edwards
Jack and Maggie Singleton
Michelle and Raja Jubran
Michell Witt and Jim Clayton. (He’s addicted to gadgets!)
Bill and Donna Cobble
Doug Tabor and Jennifer Holder
Dr. Mike and Martha Ayres
Gov. Bill and Crissy Haslam with Tommy Schmid, right. Schmid is chairman of the board of the United Way of Greater Knoxville.
David Martin, left, with photographer Charlie Brooks, who was documenting the occasion.
David Rechter and Suzanne Schriver
From left, Harrison Boyd, Jeff White, Jenny Boyd, Alison Krauss, Randy Boyd and Dan Tyminski
An unforgettable evening.
Here’s a snippet of the concert:
What a great evening. It was so generous of Alison, Dan and Jeff to lend their talent and time to United Way.
I could listen to her voice for hours. Thank you for the video clip. Stunningly beautiful. Great reward for United Way’s top supporters.
Maria: It was a real treat. I had no idea the sound would be so clear and crisp in The Standard. But it turned out to be a perfect venue.
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