Roasting a legend
Following last year’s successful roast of NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip, the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin/Williamson County will again be serving “roast legend” at it’s 18th annual Steak & Burger Dinner. On the grill this year is Tennessee Titans legendary running back Eddie George.
The event takes place on Wednesday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Cool Springs. Tickets are $125 per person and available by calling the Boys & Girls Club at 615/794-4800 or by going online to www.bgcfwc.org.
THE ROASTERS
Nashville Vice Mayor Howard Gentry Jr. has been added to the list of Roasters set to skewer former Titans running back Eddie George on Wednesday evening. Other roasters include George’s Ohio State University teammate DeWayne Carter, John Dwyer (who will also serve as emcee for the evening), sportscaster Hope Hines, former Titan Brad Hopkins, Tamara Johnson-George, sportscaster Rudy Kalis and Frank Wycheck. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher will appear on video.
ABOUT EDDIE
Eddie George was the star running back for the Tennessee Titans from 1996 to 2003. He is only the second running back in NFL history to rush for more than 10,000 yards while never missing a start, joining the great Jim Brown.
In addition to winning the Heisman Trophy while at Ohio State University, Eddie George won several NFL Rookie Of The Year Awards following his first year in the league in 1996. He was drafted in the first round by the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans and continues to hold virtually every franchise rushing record to this day. He was selected to four consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl from 1998-2001.
“I am really looking forward to the roast on March 14,” said Eddie George. “There will be a lot of participants who plan on putting my feet to the fire on that night. It should be a whole lot of fun and a great event for the Boys & Girls Club. I have always been a big fan and supporter of the Club, and I am pleased to be able to help raise funds for the children in the Franklin and Williamson County area.”
OTHER HONOREES
Additionally, the evening’s festivities will also include honoring eight individuals who have helped to make the Franklin/Williamson County Boys & Girls Club a huge success. “Life Board members have a deep interest in the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin/Williamson County and have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Club over a long period of time,” stated Jeff McGruder, board member and co-chairman of the Steak & Burger Dinner.
Those being honored on March 14 include: Jim Andrews, president CreditSouth; Larry Barnes, retired Commander, Franklin Police Department; Ron Crutcher, president The Parent Company; Charles Dibrell, partner and news director, WAKM AM 950; Ronnie Griffeth, retired Headmaster, Battle Ground Academy; Jim Moody, partner, Moody’s Tire & Auto; Ed Moody, co-founder, Moody Tire & Auto; and Rick Moody, president of RHR Mortgage. Larry Barnes and Ed Moody were instrumental in the founding of the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin/Williamson County in 1989.
“These men provided exemplary attitude, enthusiasm, character and hard work that has been an inspiration to us all,” said Juanita Patton, board member and co-chair of the Steak & Burger Dinner. “We hope the community will come out and support these generous gentlemen at our annual dinner.”
Also on tap at the Eddie George Roast is the annual announcement of the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year presentation as well as performances by various members of the club. Additional musical entertainment will be provided by the Amun Ra Theatre, in which Eddie George was featured in a performance in January. Jeff Obafemi Carr, who also starred in the recent Sony Pictures film “The Second Chance” with Michael W. Smith, founded the Amun Ra Theatre in 2001. ART is a not-for-profit, professional performing arts ensemble with the mission of exposing the “hidden light” of African-American culture through drama, music, dance, writing and the spoken word.
“This event is shaping up to be one of the most successful Steak & Burger Dinners in our 18 year history,” said Denise Carothers, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club. “The proceeds will help with our expansion plans throughout the county, assisting our new club in Fairview, as well as helping us to resolve our imminent need to relocate our teen center. As always we appreciate the support of the community with our fundraising efforts.”
Sponsors for this year’s event include Fifth/Third Bank, The Tennessean/Williamson A.M., Publix Supermarket Charities, Printing Etc., and Fussell Graphics of Nashville.
The Boys & Girls Club of Franklin/Williamson County is a primary vehicle in assisting many at-risk children in our community where the emphasis is on positive values in the relationships members have with each other and with their adult leaders. The Club assists the children in making appropriate choices in their physical, educational, personal, social, emotional, vocational and spiritual lives.
Phyllis and Mike Hyland are producing the 18th Annual Steak & Burger Dinner for the Boys & Girls Club.
