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The 50th Annual Heritage Ball Presented by RNM Management & Properties Announced Senator Bill and Tracy Frist as Patron Award Winners

The 50th Annual Heritage Ball Presented by RNM Management & Properties Announced Senator Bill and Tracy Frist as Patron Award Winners

From left are Danny and Teresa Anderson, Marty Ligon, Marilyn and Calvin LeHew, Sondra Morris and Bari Beasley

Franklin, Tenn. (September 13, 2023) – The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN held the Heritage Ball Patron Party at Southall Farm & Inn where the organization announced Senator Bill and Tracy Frist as the winners of the Patron Award. The black tie fundraiser is presented by RNM Management & Properties and will be held Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park.

In making the announcement, President and CEO of the Heritage Foundation, Bari Beasley said, “It was a magical night at Southall where we gathered to thank our Heritage Ball Patrons and name Senator Bill and Tracy Frist as the Patron Award winners. They have gone above and beyond for the Foundation for many years and provide exceptional leadership and philanthropy toward our preservation efforts.”

The Frists have chaired the Heritage Ball, held the Patron Party at their home at Old Town, and Tracy has served on the board of directors while both have supported the Heritage Foundation for years.

Upon arrival on the picturesque grounds, guests were greeted with an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres of crab and avocado toast, Carmen pepper corn fritters and chicken meatball skewers as they placed bids on their favorite silent auction items and enjoyed the fine jewelry displayed by GRAFF, the Official Jeweler of the Heritage Ball.

The Patron Party was a seated dinner at Southall Farm & Inn which included a first course of sweet corn tart and Noble Springs goat feta with pickled blueberries. The second course featured organic chicken breast, peach demi-glace served with Monte Gusto pole beans, black cherry tomato, Norland potato and fermented garlic. For dessert an apple club tart was served.

The live auction was one of the highlights of the evening which included the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali XL with Reserve Package donated by Reiselman Motor Company, a “Kentucky Getaway for 25 +Rare Bourbon Package,” and “Kix Brooks and Tom Black Present an Exclusive Wine & Dinner with Celebrity Chef.” All bids benefited the Heritage Foundation.

The Heritage Ball is Williamson County’s longest-running black tie fundraiser and is co-chaired by Calvin and Marilyn LeHew and Sondra Morris. The ball typically attracts more than 800 guests to support and celebrate the work of the Heritage Foundation while raising funds for future preservation projects. Preservationists Danny and Teresa Anderson and Marty Ligon are honorary co-chairs.

In addition to a seated dinner, live music and surprise guest entertainment, the ball will feature a Late Party co-chaired by Will and Mary Michael Cross, along with other fundraising opportunities.

For general information about the 50th Annual Heritage Ball, visit www.williamsonheritage.org/heritage-ball. For information about the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, visit www.williamsonheritage.org.

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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. Notable projects include The Franklin Theatre, Roper’s Knob, parts of the Franklin battlefield, the Old, Old Jail and McConnell House. Events and festivals produced by the Heritage Foundation such as Main Street Festival, the Heritage Ball, Pumpkinfest and Dickens of a Christmas bring hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Franklin each year. The Heritage Foundation owns and operates The Franklin Theatre, the Downtown Franklin Association, Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens, and History & Culture Center the organization’s newest division and current restoration project, For more information about the Heritage Foundation, visit  www.williamsonheritage.org.