Donor Appreciation Celebration Hosted by Nashville CARES

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On the evening of Thursday, June 14, 2018 Nashville CARES invited their top donors to join them at Red Arrow Gallery for cocktails and light hor d’oeuvres for a celebration and special honors.

Among the celebrated were members of the Steve Smith Society – honoring the legacy of a founding member of CARES who was also a sacrificial donor to the organization. Steve Smith Society members are donors who contribute $1,000 or more, annually, to Nashville CARES.

Additionally, Walgreens received the 2017 Corporate Partner Award for their continued partnership and generosity in supporting of Nashville CARES.  Nashville CARES’ Board of Directors created the Corporate Partner Award in 2012 to recognize corporations which have had, and continue to have, a significant impact on the fight to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee.  Since 2009, Walgreens has made substantial financial contributions to Nashville CARES. This is through various initiatives but most importantly through their annual in-store “scannable” program. This program not only provides important funds to Nashville CARES but provides brand recognition for Nashville CARES in over 90 Walgreens stores in Middle Tennessee. In addition to direct financial contributions to the organization in support of prevention education, Walgreens has participated with groups of employee volunteers in several of our fundraising events including: AIDS Walk, Avant Garde, Dining Out For Life and Red Ribbon Breakfast.  Walgreens also partners with Nashville CARES for National HIV Testing Day to provide free HIV testing through area locations. Walgreens exemplifies corporate partnership through both volunteerism and financial contributions to the mission of Nashville CARES.

Also honored was Jay Matheney, receiving the J. Thomas Powell Volunteer Award for 2017, named in memory of another of Nashville CARES’ founders, Tommy Powell, a tireless advocate for those living with HIV and AIDS.  Jay Matheney served on the Nashville CARES Board of Directors from 2010 to 2016 where he provided extensive work and leadership on Nashville CARES strategic marketing plan.  In addition to his own financial contributions, Jay has volunteered as Chair of the Dining Out For Life Committee for multiple years, and has also helped to raise more than $18,000 as a fundraiser for the Nashville AIDS Walk & 5K Run (coming up again on Saturday, October 6, 2018).  Jay Matheney exemplifies the spirit of community volunteerism and philanthropy.

Recently, the Lambda Car Club - Cumberland Region hosted Lambda Car Club International’s member invitational in Nashville, raising $10,000 in support of Nashville CARES. Kerry Garner, President of the Cumberland Region chapter, presented Nashville CARES with a check for $10,000 at the Donor Appreciation Celebration. 

Nashville CARES is deeply thankful for the faithfulness and generosity of its donors who play an instrumental role in its mission to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee.

About Nashville CARES: Nashville CARES is the premier HIV/AIDS organization in the region. We provide comprehensive education, a broad range of targeted services and effective advocacy, all in a highly personal, confidential and compassionate manner. We are proactively and aggressively working to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee. With your help, Nashville CARES offers services annually to 70,000 Middle Tennesseans who are living with or at risk of  HIV/AIDS including: HIV prevention education to more than 53,000 youth and adults, more than 10,600 FREE confidential HIV tests, and essential support services to 3,400 men, women and children living with the disease. To learn more, visit us at NashvilleCARES.org and “Like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/NashCARES.