Sequins shimmered, laughter filled the air, and generosity took center stage at A Night of Southern Elegance: Disco Ball, the annual gala benefiting Fayette Cares. Guests dressed to boogie the night away, but the real sparkle came from compassion that filled the room.
The event celebrated community caring and raised critical support for families facing homelessness, domestic violence, and financial crisis. Fayette Cares provides safe shelter, food assistance, and stability programs for neighbors in need across Fayette County and surrounding communities.
The night featured heartfelt moments that reminded everyone why the work matters. Among them was a powerful testimonial from Fayette Cares Case Manager Melody Blakemore, who shared her firsthand experience with the rising need and the heartbreak of helping families through increasingly difficult times.
“I see so many family struggles,” Blakemore said. “Just yesterday, a woman cried on my shoulder because she was embarrassed to ask for food. She cried again when she received it. A husband feared for his wife’s oxygen tank if their lights were shut off. A homeless veteran I moved into housing told me I was the only family he had, and when he passed just months later, I learned he listed me as next of kin. This work isn’t easy, but it’s necessary and Fayette Cares cannot do it alone.”
Her words carried added weight as Fayette Cares deals with a nearly $30,000 shortfall due to federal funding cuts and delays. At the same time, the organization is seeing increased demand for services, with families missing or uncertain about their SNAP (food stamp) benefits. The impact is immediate and severe with more people are coming to the pantry hungry, frightened, and unsure where else to turn.
The night was filled with hope and celebration as guests bid during the live and silent auctions, to support the mission. Two newly engaged couples entered a bidding war for a romantic Mexican getaway and when Fayette Cares arranged for both to win, each couple walked away with honeymoon plans. Another winning bidder plans to surprise her recovering mother with a Disney trip, rekindling a beloved annual family tradition.
Fayette Cares extends deepest thanks to the generous sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests who made the Disco Ball a success including Opal Sponsor: Ring Container Technologies, Fund-a-Need Sponsor: All-Star Products, Gold Sponsors: Mercedes-Benz of Collierville and Invenergy, Silver Sponsor: G & G Repair, Entertainment Sponsor: Fayette Janitorial, Bronze Sponsor: Knights of Columbus Council #14482, Michelob Ultra, Mahaffey Event & Tent Rentals, Tina Glover, Tennessee Ivy, Event Hosts: House of Faith Ministries, Copper Sponsors: 2 Rivers Realty, LLC, AT&T, Suzie Tidwell of Crye-Leike Realty, Pyramex Safety, Greenbridge Insurance, The Troxel Company, Trustmark, and many more.
Photos from the event provided by Tribe can be viewed at FayetteCares.org/gala.
As Fayette Cares continues to meet urgent needs in the face of rising demand and reduced funding, community support remains vital. Donations can be made at FayetteCares.org/donate.
