EVC’s 2022 Compassion Fundraiser was held April 7
From left: Jennifer Enderson, William “Bear” Stevenson,” and Dottie Thompson.
While attendees enjoyed the meal catered by Take Out Thyme, Emory Valley Center supporters and their family members shared personal stories about the programs and services that have made an impact in their lives.
After the speakers shared their compelling stories, Auctioneer Bear Stephenson conducted a live impact auction, where attendees bid on various needs throughout Emory Valley Center. Auction donations will be distributed across several programs at center, including the Behavioral Health Program, Community Participation, Community Supported Living, Early Intervention, Facilities/Residential Improvements, and Special Olympics.
Several close friends of Stephenson shared humorous personal stories about him, followed by the presentation of the 2022 Compassion Award, which was presented to him by Emory Valley Center President Jennifer Enderson; and the 2019 Compassion Award recipient, Ms. Dottie Thompson.
The 2022 Compassion Fundraiser was made possible by the support of ticket purchasers, donors and volunteers, as well as several sponsors and community partners, including an anonymous donor, Victoria Bowling, Eddie Hair Tire & Auto Center, Leidos, TNBank, WATE-TV 6, HUB, UCOR, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Clary, Home Federal Bank, Dr. Alan and Teresa Icenhour, McFarland Pharmacy, MCLinc, ORAU, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Bob and Carol Smallridge, SmartBank, Stephenson Realty & Auction, Judy Stone Wilson/Realty Executives, Take Out Thyme, Workspace Solutions, Inc., ZYP Coatings, Tom Beehan and Kay Brookshire, Yvonne Dalschen – Photographer, Jim and Becky Dodson, Charlie Hensley, Methodist Medical Center, Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services and Willow Ridge Garden Center.
Emory Valley Center has been meeting the needs of people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities in the East Tennessee community since 1955, and currently provides a wide variety of services including: behavioral health, community participation, community-supported living, early-childhood education, enabling technology, family support and workforce development.
This support reaches more than 1,400 adults and children monthly in multiple East Tennessee counties.
To learn more about Emory Valley Center and its programs and services, visit emoryvalleycenter.org, follow on Facebook, www.facebook.com/emoryvalleycenter; Instagram, emory.valley.center and Twitter @EVC_OakRidge for program/success stories and photos.