41st Annual Heritage Ball Chairs Named

Heritage Foundation, Franklin TN

Brian and Lisa Beathard, of the Hincheyville neighborhood in downtown Franklin, have been named Chairs of the 2014 Heritage Ball. Their neighbor, Marty Ligon, who spearheaded the initiative 41 years ago, will serve as Honorary Chair. The 2013 Ball Chairs were Jan and Andy Marshall.

The Heritage Ball is the community’s longest-running black tie event and will take place this September. All proceeds from the event benefit the work of the Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and preserve the architectural, geographic and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County and to promote the ongoing economic revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation.

“Historic preservation is about honoring the past as part of our present and our future,” said Mary Pearce, executive director of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County. “This is a long-standing tradition and a principal fundraiser, so it’s exciting to see a young professional couple as Chairs who want to continue the Heritage Ball legacy that the ones who came before them brought to life.”

Lisa and Brian Beathard, 2014 Heritage Ball ChairsAbout The Beathards
Brian Beathard currently serves as a County Commissioner in the 11th district. Brian currently sits on the boards of the Heritage Foundation, Franklin Tomorrow, the Williamson County Education Foundation, the Downtown Neighborhood Association and Carnton Plantation. In addition, he serves on the County Budget Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee, and is also a member of the Franklin Noon Rotary.

Lisa Beathard is an alumnus of Brentwood Academy and Belmont University, where she was a scholarship athlete. She has been a Registered Nurse at St. Thomas Hospital for 18 years. She volunteers on a regular basis with Poplar Grove School, and has worked in support of various events for the Heritage Foundation, including the Town & Country Tour of Homes, the Main Street Brew Fest, Pumpkinfest and the Main Street Festival.

“Lisa and I fell in love with Franklin when we first met, and we knew we wanted to raise our family here and be involved with shaping the future of the community,” Brian said. “Now, almost 10 years later, we’re honored to be able to head a talented committee that orchestrates one of the most significant events of the year.”

The couple have two children, Payce (9) and Ava (11).

About Marty Ligon
Marty was the leader of a core group of people who conceived and executed the inaugural Heritage Ball 41 years ago. For the first ball, Carnton Plantation underwent a frantic renovation, as bare wiring and other hazards were discovered.

“The Ball was the spark that set in motion a series of events that brings us to where we are now, which no one could have imagined back then,” Ligon said.

“We were inspired by a cause that was important to us, and it’s a thrill to see how far everything has come today. Sometimes people have trouble visualizing what something can be, and it’s always been a source of pride that we were able to accomplish our mission. I couldn’t be more delighted to serve as the Honorary Chair, and to share that recognition with everyone else who played a role.”

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