Knoxville Celebrates Community Spirit at Legacy Dinner
Knoxville, a city steeped in heritage and community values, recently came together to celebrate at the 16th annual Legacy Dinner. Held on October 21, this heartwarming event was hosted by the Emerald Youth Foundation and brought together over 1,000 attendees under the roof of the Knoxville Convention Center. The evening was truly special, as it honored Mary Slack with the prestigious 2024 Legacy Award for her unwavering dedication to the organization and the youth of our community.
A Night of Recognition
Mary Slack, a lifelong resident of Knoxville and a prominent businesswoman, has been an integral part of the Emerald Youth for nearly 30 years. From her time on the board from 1998 to 2007 and serving as chair from 2000 to 2004, she has been a guiding light for the organization through significant growth and changes. During the event, Legacy Dinner Chairman Richard Johnson expressed his heartfelt appreciation for Slack, stating she was “more than deserving of the award.” The commitment to service and the community displayed by Slack is not just noteworthy; it’s an inspiration to everyone in attendance.
Voices of the Future
One of the touching moments of the night was when the young members of the Emerald Youth program took the stage to lead a prayer, showcasing how deeply they have been impacted by the organization. They spoke about how Emerald Youth has helped them discover their strengths and abilities, emphasizing the importance of serving the community. Steve Diggs, the CEO of Emerald Youth, praised Slack as an admired Christian leader and a dear friend, saying, “It wouldn’t be possible without Mary Slack. I thank God for you and your family.”
A Night Filled with Talent
The evening was lively with various performances that added a festive touch. The Emerald Youth House Band set a soulful tone with their rendition of You Know My Name. Following that, Sharlene Provilus captivated the audience with a thought-provoking spoken word piece titled Jesus, You Were There. The atmosphere soared as Leonard Weaver delivered a powerful performance of Send Me, bringing the crowd to their feet for a standing ovation.
The Emerald Academy cheerleaders also added to the excitement with an energetic performance, while the Emerald Youth Choir lifted spirits with their inspiring songs, Trust in God and I Believe. It was truly a joyous occasion, filled with heart and enthusiasm.
Community Commitment
Another integral element of the night was presented by the Friends of Emerald, who took the stage to highlight the ongoing need for volunteers within the community. Their message was clear—supporting the city’s youth requires dedication and involvement from all of us. This call to action reminded everyone of the importance of volunteering and the lasting impact one individual can have.
A Fitting Tribute
The evening flowed seamlessly into a tribute video celebrating Mary Slack’s remarkable journey with Emerald Youth, culminating with an introduction by Jody Wright, the 2023 Legacy Award recipient. The formalities concluded with a heartfelt prayer from Chairman Dr. Keith Gray, sending everyone off with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
If you feel inspired by what you’ve read and would like to support the Emerald Youth Organization through donations or volunteering, there are ways to get involved. Check out the organizations’ websites to find out how you can make a difference in the lives of Knoxville’s youth.
The Legacy Dinner was not just an event; it was a celebration of community spirit, growth, and the dedication of individuals working together for a brighter future.
