T.J. Martell Foundation – the music industry’s leading nonprofit to fund innovative medical research focused on treatments and cures for cancer – topped their fundraising record at the 2020 Nashville Honors Gala surpassing $1 MILLION. Hosted at the Omni Nashville Hotel on Monday (2/24), the 12th annual event was co-chaired by entertainment executive Steve Buchanan and Sweet Talk Publicity President/Owner Jensen Sussman. “I’m so proud of the many people who generously gave their time and resources to make this a milestone event for the T.J. Martell Foundation,” shared Laura Heatherly, CEO of T.J. Martell Foundation. “It is truly wonderful to see so many people come together to help in the fight against cancer.” The landmark occasion celebrated a new class of local honorees, as they were acknowledged for their professional accomplishments, community spirit, and philanthropy, in front of an at-capacity crowd of supporters. Emceed by Charles Esten, the Music City game-changers included: GRAMMY award-winning contemporary Christian artist AMY GRANT – Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award; President of Morris Higham Management, CLINT HIGHAM – Joel A. Katz Music is Medicine Chairman’s Award; Associate Director for Clinical Research and Director of Phase I Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, DR. JORDAN BERLIN – Medical Research Advancement Award; commercial real estate developer and CEO of Hall | Emery, PATRICK G. EMERY – Spirit of Nashville Award; and community builders LAURIE AND JIM SEABURY – Lifetime Humanitarian Award. With a dynamic list of presenters including Reba McEntire (Amy Grant), Joel A. Katz (Clint Higham), Dr. Dana Cardin & Dr. Laura Goff (Dr. Jordan Berlin), Tom Raney (Patrick G. Emery), and Dr. Wright Pinson (Laurie and Jim Seabury), the powerful affair featured special performances by Vince Gill (Amy Grant), Carly Pearce and Michael Ray (Clint Higham), Wade Hayes (Dr. Jordan Berlin), CeCe Winans (Patrick G. Emery), and Rascal Flatts (Laurie and Jim Seabury). Full of one-of-a-kind magical moments, Gill and Grant’s daughter Corrina joined her father on the keys during his touching performance of “When My Amy Prays,” and McEntire had the Gala guests laughing – and in tears – over her warmhearted introduction of Grant. Higham moved the room during the final award presentation as he dedicated his honor in loving memory of Nashville animal welfare advocate and philanthropist Phran Galante. Special guest Kenny Chesney also surprised Higham onstage to cap-off the inspirational night.
photos by: Adrian Morales and Jason Davis
