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Cathi Aycock
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Cathi Aycock and her husband,Coleman, are co-chairing the Heritage Ball for the Heritage Foundation this year. We sat down to learn more about how does one go about planning a ball, what it was like at her first ball, and of course we wanted to know what she will be wearing to the ball!
1.
Tell us how you first got involved with the Heritage Foundation?
My husband Coleman and I moved here 26 years ago. We went to the Heritage Ball and fell in love with the event, and the mission behind the event.
When my children were small, we always took them to the Main Street festivals. Pumpkinfest was always a favorite. And I always invite out of town company to come stay with us during Dickens of a Christmas.
This year, my daughter’s college roommates and their moms came to stay and do some Christmas shopping. Two of the moms live in Charleston, and they just fell in love with Franklin. I think it is saying something that one of the most charming towns in the South can enthrall folks from Charleston.
I love showing off Franklin, and the Heritage Foundation is the reason we have all of the amazing opportunities.
2
Can you share a memory from your first Heritage Ball?
Coleman and I went with some other young newly married couples—Kathy and John Meadows, Ron and Leigh Ann Taylor. I had never been to a Ball as a grownup. Only debutante presentations and proms. I remember being so excited. And I still get excited to this day about going.
3
As chair of the ball, what are your responsibilities ?
I think every chair takes on different tasks. I know most folks think I am all about the pretty, and I do love the fluffy stuff. But the first thing I did was look at the numbers. How much money was raised last year. What is the demographic of the Ball? How can we maximize this event so that attendees are engaged and want to come again? How can we attract a younger demographic while showing respect for the folks who are loyal Ball attendees? How can we broaden the reach of the Ball and its mission?
4
How did you address some of those issues?
I brought two new corporate sponsors to the Heritage Ball this year. Belk is a premium sponsor, and Clymer Facial Plastic Surgery came on board to support the Heritage Ball too. Adding new corporate partners whose brands are aligned with plugging into the community helps grow the reach of the Heritage Foundation. With the help of the Heritage Foundation staff and Next Gen, the 40 and under group that is part of the Heritage Foundation, we are offering late-party tickets for $100 to the younger crowd for the Ball. They arrive after dinner, but still have cocktails and dancing.
5
What advice would you give to someone looking for a gown for the ball?
I just bought my gown yesterday. I really want to shop local whenever I can, so ordering a dress from New York wasn’t really an option. I went to Glitz in Bellevue–the owner lives in Franklin and she is a big supporter of the Heritage Foundation. They just got back from New York and had some amazing formal evening wear. I think  many think of Glitz as a wedding or prom venue, but they have amazing formal gowns that are sophisticated and one-of-a-kind. And the prices are amazing. I cannot wait to wear my gown! This is the all about the pretty part of chairing the Ball that is fun.
Thanks so much to Cathi Aycock for taking time out to talk with us.  There are still tickets available to the Heritage Ball and in the words of Cathi Aycock, “No one ever goes to the Ball and says  ‘I wish I hadn’t made the effort to get dressed up and dance and celebrate with friends.’ If you don’t go, you will probably be sitting at home watching Netflix. Life is about filling your joy bucket. And this event is for such a great cause, it is glamorous and fun.”
The Heritage Ball takes place on Saturday, September 19th beginning at 6 pm. Purchase your tickets by calling 615-591-8500 or purchase online at Historic Franklin. Â Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the restoration of the Old,Old Jail or as it has been called “The Big House of Preservation.”
