Moved to Tears: The Host Committee of 44

There are many things in life that don't make sense.

Among them are the butterflies in our tummies, the powers that beat, or the tears that swell our eyes.

I was fortunate enough to attend a "Meet and Greet" yesterday afternoon for the "Host Committee of 44" to honor our city, our nation and the progress that has been made in the United States of America in anticipation of the upcoming Music City Inaugural Ball at Maxwell Millenium House Hotel on January 20, 2009.

When I left Carol Ann's Home Cooking Cafe last night, I was full.

We've all been full from eating a little too much of this or a little too much of that, but the feeling I left with went far beyond on occasional over indulgence. I was full inside because Carol Ann did not just feed my tummy, she fed my soul.

Thank you Carol Ann, Rev. Fuzz, Dr. McGowan, Mr. Chavez, and every to everyone in that room. Today, I am full.

I look forward to the coming weeks, and the tear that rolled down the side of my cheek was one of joy and celebration.

Thank you. Today, I am full.

Middle Tennessee Republicans Join the Celebration

ABC News and its Memphis affiliate are spreading the word to the nation about the Music City Inaugural Charity Ball slated for Jan. 20 to set an example to America about how to come together behind Barack Obama's presidency and the crisis of these economic times.

Organizer, the Rev. Enoch Fuzz, has set the theme for the event as one of unity and self-empowerment, quoting the inaugural speech of President John F. Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

Here is what the Memphis ABC-TV affiliate ran:

Nashville, TN - For the first time in history, Music City will host it's own Presidential Inaugural Ball.

Set for the night of January 20 at the Maxwell House Hotel, organizers said Music City's version will be the largest inaugural ball outside Washington DC.

The Reverend Enoch Fuzz came up with the idea and quickly sought the help of other religious leaders in the Nashville community, including Dr. Charles McGowan.

A broad array of musicians and celebrities will be in attendance including Gospel music legend Dr. Bobby Jones and bluegrass/country singers Sharon and Ricky Skaggs.

The ball will be held at the Maxwell House Hotel, beginning at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 20.

Tickets are available online at www.volunteernashville.com.

Reverend Fuzz said the ball is intended to bring people of Nashville together, regardless of race, religion or politics.


TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE: http://www.volunteernashville.com/
or call: (615) 569-3010

Elyssa Durant, Host Coordinator at (615) 424-8810
Tim Chavez, Media Relations at (615) 512-8209

PRESS RELEASE: INAUGURATION DAY BALL

The Music City

USA President Inauguration Day Ball


Tuesday January 20, 2009

7:00pm

Millennium Maxwell House Hotel

Rosa Parks Blvd.

Nashville, Tennessee


On the morning of January 20, 2009 Barack Obama will take the oath of office as America's 44th president.

Listings number hundreds of traditional events in and around the nation's capital in honor of the new president on Inauguration Day.

But outside the overcrowded nation's capitol in Nashville, Tennessee, a "Host Committee of 44" people are supporting The Music City "USA President's Inaugural Day Ball".

The Nashville Inaugural Ball is spearheaded by longtime Nashville pastor, the Reverend Enoch Fuzz. The "Host Committee of 44" consist of some of the community's most notable persons including:

Davidson County Sheriff Darren Hall, Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors, Gospel Music Icon Dr. Bobby Jones, Criminal Court Judge Monty Watkins, Award winning newspaper journalist Tim Chavez, Metro Parks Director Roy Wilson, attorney Linda Jones, Metro School Board Members; Karen Johnson and Mark North, acting Schools Director Chris Henson, Metro Council At Large Member Megan Barry, the Reverend Edwin Sanders, Rev. Dr. ray Richardson and former Dean of TSU School of Engineering Dr Ed Isibor.

And some who did not vote for Obama -- but feel it is now in the best interest of our city and nation to work together and hopes for the new president to have success -- include several former Metro Council members, business owners and community volunteers.

Successful Nashville business owner, Carol Jenkins of Priority Hospice and the New Hope Foundation has signed on her company as a major sponsor of the event. Jenkins who served on President Bush's Small Business Advisory Council volunteered her company's support when asked to serve on the Host Committee of 44 saying:

"I feel this is an effective way to create positive opportunities in our community."

The proceeds from the Music City USA President's Inaugural Ball will be donated to twenty one selected nonprofit community organizations and programs. Some of the groups that will recieve $1,000 or more are:

Northwest YMCA, Maplewood HS, Whites Creek HS, the Inner City Boy Scouts, the College Trust Fund, AT&T Community Network Tennessee, the First Response Center, Faith Family Clinic, several little league ball clubs, some academic tutoring programs, job mentoring, and faith based programs are also included.

Ticket Invitations to attend the formal attire event are $100 per person and can be purchased online starting December 22, 2008. Those attending the Music City Ball will dine on awesome Southern food, dance to the music of DJs and live bands, be entertained with stand up comedy acts, and stay abreast of all the official Washington, D.C .,Inaugural Ball activities by way of 10-foot television screens in the grand ballrooms at the elegant Millennium Maxwell House Hotel.

Many at the Nashville Celebration may seem closer to the Obamas than those in D.C. The event organizers estimate that near 200 invitations to the Nashville Ball have been requested as word got out about the event and expects it will be sold out one week after tickets go on sale December 23.

Stay tuned for invitation information.