Lee Ann Furrow Tolsma, president of Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville and Furrow Automotive Group, welcomes guests to the Tocqueville Society dinner that she and her husband, John, hosted at the dealership recently on behalf of United Way of Greater Knoxville.
What does Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville have in common with the United Way? Turns out to be a lot more than you might think. Both organizations, it seems, are using innovation to maximize their results.
The two concerns recently came together to celebrate that connection when Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville hosted the annual Tocqueville Society dinner honoring those who have most generously supported the United Way of Greater Knoxville. Lee Ann Furrow Tolsma, the president of Furrow Automotive Group and Mercedez-Benz of Knoxville is co-chair of this year’s United Way campaign along with her husband, John Tolsma.
Both greeted guests at the dinner and thanked them for their support of one of Knoxville’s premier non-profits. “When you give money to United Way, you are giving to an agency that uses technology to improve what they do,” John Tolsma said. “Sync up and step up!” Tolsma urged.
A crowd filled the Mercedez-Benz showroom on Parkside Drive to nosh on a tasty “progressive dinner” prepared by Holly Hambright and enjoy wine, beer and cocktails. They also got to see some unique high performance AMG cars and hear from Daniel Deparis, director of product and portfolio management at Mercedes-Benz, about how innovation and new technology are improving not only vehicles, but the safety of communities.
Mingling was the first order of business!
Jeff Lyash, CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority, with his wife, Tracy.
Sam and Ann Furrow pose with their son-in-law, John Tolsma, at right. Sam is the founder of Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville and Furrow Automotive Group.
Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler and Lysette Aviles.
Lucy Hand, left, with Dave and Sarah Miller.
Jim and Michell Clayton.
Marianne Wanamaker, center, with Bonnie and Greg Marret.
Jeff Lee and Tami Hartmann.
Judith Foltz and Teddy Phillips. Judith, who has a new special events company, was in charge of the party and did a great job!
Liz and Wes Stowers.
Knoxville City Council Member Seema Singh, left, and Patrick Birmingham.
This vehicle was quite the topic of conversation! The brand new 2025 all-electric GWagon arrived at the dealership the day before the party.
Frank Rothermel, left, and Brian Brooks.
From left, David Rechter, Suzanne Schriver, and Knox County Commissioner Terry Hill.
From left, Sandy and David Martin with Blake Valentine.
Sharon Pryse with Holly Hambright.
LaKenya Middlebrook, left, and Kaki Reynolds, of United Way.
Matt Schaefer, left, with Cindy and Christopher Whaley, the president of Roane State Community College.
Another looker: a 2025 E53 sedan.
Sharon and Joe Pryse with Gina Overtreet, right, of Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville.
From left, Lee Ann Tolsma, Jenny Johnson, and Michelle Hardin.
From left, John Tolsma, Nadim Jubran, and Frank Rothermel.
From left, Harry Gross, Tammy White, and Daniel Carter.
From left, Ethan Mashburn, Brewton Couch, and Brooke Lawson.
Chrystal Armstrong-Brown and Brian Brooks.
Christopher Whaley, left, and Jim Atchley.
From left, Ashley Capps, Judith. Foltz, City Council Member Lynne Fugate, and Birgit Clark.
Bruce Hartmann, left, and Tony Benton.
Casey Fox, left, and Michelle Hardin.
John Tolsma and Tiffany Gardner.
Ashley Capps, left, and Jim Clayton.
Annette and Scott Brun.
From left, Aneisa Rolen, Lauren Miller, and Britney Sink.
Amanda Howe of Pour Guys bartending service.
From left, Brian Brooks, Michell and Jim Clayton stop at an “innovation station” to hear from Ellie Kittrell how United Way uses metrics to improve the way member non-profit agencies provide services to the community.
From left, Alan Carmichael, Lauren Miller, and Clarence Vaughn.
My favorite car was this 2024 CLE53 coupe.
Tiffany Odom, director of dealer performance for Mercedez-Benz, introduced her colleague.
Daniel Deparis, director of product and portfolio management, talked about how innovation at Mercedes-Benz not only provides information about the vehicles, but about communities, cities, and infrastructure.
Crowd listening to the short program.
Julie Massie, left, and Amanda Wilson handed out goody bags as folks exited the festivities.
Want to donate to United Way before the year ends? Click here.
