Sherri Lee, standing, with Elisabeth Rukeyser and Ian Rukeyser, her grandson.
Sherri Lee is surely among the most generous community supporters Knoxville is blessed to have. In addition to the scores of non-profit organizations she supports, she also generously opens her home — and its surroundings — every year to the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra for its signature fundraiser, “Evening Under the Stars.”
Perhaps as a reward for her generosity, the weather has been lovely in recent years. That’s important because a couple of years ago, the organizers decided to ditch the huge tent that had always contained the festivities and to bring the big band and its supporters literally “under the stars!”
The event this past weekend was definitely a little on the nippy side — even with the portable heaters that were scattered around. But there was no sign of rain and, with a sweater or jacket, it was comfortable. And, judging by the crowd, financially successful.
A piece of big news that circulated at the event was the upcoming summer nuptials of Mollie Turner and John Trotter! Congratulations, friends! She, along with Jan Bechtel, headed up working with Sherri Lee to organize the festive evening. She’s also a KJO board member.
Taylor Coker on bass, Bill Swann on keys, and Keith Brown on drums provided good vibes during the cocktail hour.
Along with the rest of the band!
The founder and leader of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, Vance Thompson, with his wife, Emily, left, and board member Cindy Hassil.
Susan Hyde, left, with Steven and Anita Hollman Matijcio. He’s executive director of the Knoxville Museum of Art and I just love the way our non-profit organizations support one another!
From left, Elizabeth Williams, Elizabeth Offringa, and Kim Cunningham.
From left, Francie Elrod, Marga McBride, and Rebecca Williams.
Alan Williams, left, and Jay McBride, a KJO board member.
John Diasmore and Jan Henley.
From left, Brent Thompson, Erin Slocum, Valerie Sanders, and Mischa Goldman. Erin is KJO’s marketing director, Valerie is leader of KJO’s Middle School Band, and Mischa is the KJO’s technical director.
Diahn Oakley and Paul Scoonover.
John and Carol Sheridan. (Cool purse!)
Susan Seymour and Jim Brown.
Ha! Ken and Lynda Hamilton. Can you believe that feather?
Cute Halloween display.
No trip to Sherri Lee’s is compete with out a visit to her stunning back yard! To the left is her boathouse and view of Fort Loudoun Lake; the swimming pool and main house are to the right.
The mingling was fierce — and fun!
Rick Carl had the best tie at the party! He’s here with his wife, Joanne.
From left, Janice Mitchell, Aaron White, Chris Hill, Mark Hill, Sheila Hill, and Ken Hamilton. Chris is a KJO board member.
From left, Dr. Geri Mancebo, Karen Kendrick, and Chuck Pilgrim.
Sherri Lee, left, with Nancy Kendrick, who headed up food service for By the Tracks Catering. Dinner was delish!
Starter was a salad of mixed greens, baby kale, delicata squash, pomegranate seeds and sherry vinaigrette; entree was roasted airline chicken breast with bacon Dijon sauce served with Carolina Gold rice grits and tri-color honey-roasted carrots; dessert was bread pudding with white chocolate and caramel sauce. Yum!
Loved the lantern centerpiece on our table.
Two of our table-mates: Robin Turner, left, and Mimi Turner.
Christopher and Miriam Beatty.
Kenneth and Jane Creed.
Don Hough and Jan Bechtel.
Linda Billman and Charles Manneschmidt.
Then the band cranked it up!
Kelle Jolly was featured vocalist.
David Zavracky was on sax.
And the dance floor opened.
Susan Seymour and Jim Brown were among those who took advantage of it!
Fun night!
Looked like a fabulous time!