The Heritage Foundation recently announced Vivian and David Garrett, Kay Heller, and Sharon McNeely will serve as co-chairmen of the 43rd annual Heritage Ball Auction. The co-chairmen and volunteers for the beloved Franklin event are committed to raising funds for historic preservation by presenting a group of excellent auction items and experiences. These co-chairs will work with the chair for the 43rd Heritage Ball, which has been announced as Mayor Ken Moore and his wife, Linda.
“These individuals have demonstrated a paramount commitment to the preservation of our community,” said Mary Pearce, Executive Director of the Heritage Foundation. “Each of the co-chairmen has served as community leaders and are committed to historic preservation. We are deeply grateful for their continued support as they work with a group of talented committee members.”
Vivian and David Garrett have attended 25 Heritage Ball events. The couple has offered their efforts in preservation to the Heritage Foundation serving as the chairs for the Tour of Homes and the Heritage Ball Culinary committee. Vivian Garrett has served as invitation committee chair and silent auction co-chair. David Garrett has served on the Heritage Foundation board for eight years and has served as president for four of those years. During his time as president, the foundation purchased, renovated and secured funding to restore and reopen The Franklin Theatre.
Kay Heller is a nationally recognized preservationist, Heritage Foundation board member, and owner of Rare Prints Gallery on Main Street. She was a long time board member for Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, FL as well as a board member for Old Salem, Inc. in Winston-Salem, NC. Heller and her husband, Rod, live in an historic home in Franklin. The family has led efforts for essential battlefield reclamation projects such as securing the property for the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park. The Heller family is currently spearheading efforts to redevelop a large part of the block between First and Second Avenue North in Franklin for a mixed-use development that will include a boutique hotel, apartments, retail and high-end restaurants.
Sharon McNeely, along with her husband, John, reside in the first house moved and saved from destruction by the Heritage Foundation. Not long after moving into this home, the couple chaired the Tour of Homes where they felt the true friendship and love of the community. The McNeelys’ passion for preservation of history and architecture along with their equestrian lifestyle resulted in their relocation of the Carter Gin House at Carter Hill Park to the pastoral setting of Giles County Fox Hunting Country.
The 43rd annual Heritage Ball will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Eastern Flank Battlefield Park. For more information, please visit Historic Franklin website or contact Lynne McAlister at 615-591-8500, Extension 120.
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