Laurie and Mark Sutton Received the Coveted Patron Award
FRANKLIN, TENN. – The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN held the Heritage Ball Patron Party presented by Medical House Calls at the home of Jackie and Barry Alexander, where the organization announced Laurie and Mark Sutton as Patron Award recipients. The Heritage Ball will be held September 12 at Harlinsdale Farm and is presented by Atmos Energy and Tractor Supply Company Foundation to benefit the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN.
Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN Chairman of the Board Bo Segers said, “It’s my greatest honor to announce this year’s Patron Award winners Laurie and Mark Sutton, who demonstrate a true spirit of our community through their passion for the rich history, as well as their continued support of the Heritage Foundation.”
Heritage Foundation President and CEO Bari Beasley spoke about the importance of preservation, thanked sponsors, and recognized chairs Meg and Tyler Borders and the Late Party Chairs Cole Horner and Lauren Womack. She announced that an Endowment for the Heritage Ball has been established thanks to a major, transformative gift that includes an endowment component. Others will be invited to give to this endowment so the legendary Heritage Ball will continue to thrive for years to come. In recognizing this gift from former Heritage Foundation board member and longtime supporter Sondra Morris, Beasley said, “Sondra, your profound love for Williamson County and your deep commitment to our mission to preserve the character and culture of our home continue to make such a difference, and we deeply appreciate your generosity.”
During the Patron Party, the online Silent Auction and ticket sales for the ball were launched. “This year, we are redefining what guests can expect from a traditional auction with the debut of our Revolutionary Interactive Silent Auction,” said Ralene DeBord, Auction Chair of the Heritage Ball. “We’ve curated three distinct experiential auction areas—The Stables, featuring curated luxury items; The Hunt, focused on travel and adventure; and The Jockey Club, celebrating sips and bites—collectively creating what we call the ‘Triple Crown.’ Rather than simply reading a bid sheet, attendees will have the opportunity to meet our Auction Ambassadors—the creators, makers, and providers behind some of our most exclusive items—transforming every bid into a personal connection and a meaningful expression of support.”
Other top items include a Baden K9-trained service dog valued at $80,000, an “Intimate afternoon with Senator Lamar Alexander” for up to 30 guests at $1,000 per person, and a MIRA Signature Smile Transformation valued at $25,000. Virtual bids are also welcome. To bid on the Silent Auction, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/Phf/i/.
The evening was catered by Menu Makers Catering, which included a stunning display of grilled vegetables, charcuterie with cured meats and crostini, assorted seasonal fruit, imported cheese, thyme-roasted grapes crostini with goat cheese and hot honey, shrimp salad canapés, creamy stuffed mushrooms, pecan chicken bites and turkey and cheese poppyseed sliders.
For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact our Director of Corporate Sponsorships, Tanner Adams, at tadams@williamsonheritage.org. For more information about the Heritage Foundation and additional preservation projects, visit www.WilliamsonHeritage.org.
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2026 Heritage Ball Parton Party Photo Gallery
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ABOUT THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY
Since 1967, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has been dedicated to preserving Williamson County’s architectural, geographic and cultural heritage as well as promoting the ongoing revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation. Thanks to its visionary stewardship and the support of donors throughout the community, notable projects include The Franklin Theatre, Roper’s Knob, parts of the Franklin battlefield and the Old, Old Jail. Events and festivals produced by the Heritage Foundation, such as Main Street Festival, the Heritage Ball, PumpkinFest and Dickens of a Christmas, bring an estimated 300,000+ locals and visitors to downtown Franklin each year, which creates more than a $10 million economic impact annually. The Heritage Foundation owns and operates The Franklin Theatre, Downtown Franklin Association, Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens, and the Moore-Morris History & Culture Center. For more information about the Heritage Foundation, visit www.williamsonheritage.org.
