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Every year for the past eleven years, the first twelve days of December have been dedicated to auctioning off more than 350 unique items and experiences through The Beth Haynes 12 Days of Christmas Silent Auction. Bidders experience the joy of giving while purchasing unique gifts, and sponsors and donors from local and national businesses make the charitable countdown to Christmas possible. 

The event is presented by The Home Depot and The Boyd Foundation and a host of in-kind donations.  Each year items range from travel packages to gift certificates from local business donors, home and garden décor, wine and spirits, amusement attractions, and more.  This year’s auction brought in over $96,000 to give back to the McNabb Center’s Dear Santa Program. Funds raised through the auction help more than 2,200 children and families with needs during the holiday season and throughout the year.

The Beth Haynes 12 Days of Christmas began and is named after former news anchor Beth Haynes.  You can follow along through the Beth Haynes 12 Days of Christmas Facebook page.

For more information, please visit McNabbFoundation.org, or contact Lindsey Stimets at (865) 329-9176 or Lindsey.Stimets@mcnabb.org.

Since its founding in 1972, the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation has worked diligently to support the work of the McNabb Center. In addition to providing leadership and direction, the Foundation’s staff and 26-member volunteer board actively raises, holds and invests funds on behalf of the Center. Funds raised by the Foundation over the years have contributed greatly toward the stability and growth of the Center.

The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” we provide a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood. Since 1948, the Center has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 36,750 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) Houston Smelcer, vice president of development and government

relations, welcomes new board members and officers to the McNabb Foundation’s Board of

Directors.

Newly appointed 2022-2023 McNabb Foundation board members:

Micki Martin

Martin Family Foundation

2022-2023 McNabb Foundation Board of Directors elected officers:

David Ownby, Chair

Chief Financial Officer, Radio Systems Corporation

Wade Ewers, Chair-Elect

Owner, Ritway Inc.

Lindsey Boyd, Secretary

Community Volunteer

Ford Little, Treasurer

Partner, Woolf, McClane, Bright, Allen & Carpenter

Ashley White, Immediate Past Chair

Community Volunteer

Since its founding in 1972, the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation has worked diligently to

support the work of the McNabb Center. In addition to providing leadership and direction,

the Foundation’s staff and volunteer board actively raises, holds and invests funds on behalf

of the Center. Funds raised by the Foundation over the past 50 years have contributed

greatly toward the stability and growth of the Center. For more information, visit

www.mcnabbfoundation.org or call 865-541-6684.

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(MARYVILLE, Tenn.) The Helen Ross McNabb Foundation is excited to host the Big BBQ Bash at Founder’s Square in historic downtown Maryville on June 24 and 25. The professional barbeque cook-off fundraiser was established as a legacy project by the Leadership Blount Class of 2007, and this marks its eighth year as a Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition.

Since its inception, the Big BBQ Bash has raised nearly $300,000, and all proceeds from the 2022 competition will benefit the McNabb Center’s Military Services program.

KCBS sanctions barbecue and grilling contests across the U.S. and advocates barbecue as America’s cuisine. Additionally, KCBS is the largest association of barbecue lovers worldwide and has a vast Certified Barbecue Judging program.

The Big BBQ Bash draws more than 30 teams from across the southeast to compete for $10,000 in cash, prizes, and, of course, bragging rights. Categories include pulled pork, ribs, brisket and chicken. Former governor Bill Haslam proclaimed the Big BBQ Bash as a state championship, qualifying the competition for the American Royal Barbecue Cook-Off and Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue.

Five competing teams will also sell their award-winning barbecue during the event on Friday evening and midday Saturday.

Individuals who want to support the Military Services program can text BBQ22 to 243-725 to donate. For additional event information, please visit www.mcnabbfoundation.org/BBQ.

The Big BBQ Bash is a part of Summer on Broadway, a free two-day festival with food and activities for the whole family. More information about Summer on Broadway is available at www.summeronbroadway.net.

About Helen Ross McNabb Foundation

Since its founding in 1972, the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation has worked diligently to support the work of the McNabb Center. In addition to providing leadership and direction, the Foundation’s staff and volunteer board actively raises, holds and invests funds on behalf of the Center. Funds raised by the Foundation over the past 50 years have contributed greatly toward the stability and growth of the Center. For more information, visit www.mcnabbfoundation.org or call 865-541-6684.

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(Knoxville, Tenn.) The Helen Ross McNabb Foundation is excited to announce the Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp Golf Tournament will raise more than $100,000 for mental health care, substance use, social and victim services in East Tennessee. This year’s event, co-presented by BlueCross BlueShield Tennessee and Regal, will be the most successful golf tournament in the Foundation’s history.

“The Helen Ross McNabb Foundation is a great partner, serving the mental health care needs of our neighbors in Knoxville,” said Scott Pierce, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee executive vice president and chief operating officer. “BlueCross is proud to support their important work.”

“Regal is proud to return as a presenting sponsor of the Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp Golf Tournament. Each year this event helps raise awareness and funds for the McNabb Center, providing behavioral health care for those in need in our area,” said Ken Thewes, Regal chief marketing officer. “Through our foundation’s mission to give back to the communities where we operate, we are proud to partner with Helen Ross McNabb Foundation as they provide such a positive impact on so many lives in East Tennessee.”

When:  Monday, June 6, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where:  Holston Hills Country Club; 5200 Holston Hills Road, Knoxville, 37914

The media is invited to attend.

About Helen Ross McNabb Foundation

Since its founding in 1972, the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation has worked diligently to support the work of the McNabb Center. In addition to providing leadership and direction, the Foundation’s staff and volunteer board actively raises, holds and invests funds on behalf of the Center. Funds raised by the Foundation over the past 50 years have contributed greatly toward the stability and growth of the Center. For more information, visit www.mcnabbfoundation.org or call 865-541-6684.

(Knoxville, Tenn.) The Helen Ross McNabb Foundation is pleased to announce the completion of a $4.25 million capital campaign that will provide new and expanded transitional housing for women and families escaping domestic violence. 

“It is important to provide safe and comfortable housing to give the women and children impacted by domestic violence an opportunity to improve their lives and regain independence,” said Ted Flickinger and Debbie Jones, campaign co-chairs. “It has been a privilege to work alongside the McNabb Center staff as they find ways to address these needs.”

Since 2007, the Center’s Transitional Housing Assistance Program has offered resources and services for survivors’ long-term housing and safety needs. However, Knox County lacks safe and affordable housing options for victims of domestic violence, with a current wait of three to six months. 

The inability to find affordable housing may prevent individuals from leaving an abusive partner. Victims of domestic violence in Knox County are also at higher risk of assault or homicide after separating from their abuser, further underscoring the importance of safe housing.

“We are honored to provide an opportunity to enhance transitional housing for families fleeing domestic violence in Knoxville,” said Houston Smelcer, McNabb Center vice president of development and government relations. “This critical gap in the community is more essential now than ever.”

The Foundation’s capital campaign will create six two-bedroom apartment units, six one-bedroom apartment units, group meeting space, and on-site offices for McNabb Center staff when complete. The Center plans to break ground on the project in Summer 2022. The facility will be dedicated in memory of Sarah Stowers, a longtime supporter, volunteer and friend of the McNabb Center.

“The Stowers family is very excited about the McNabb Center’s plans to significantly improve and expand its services by providing safe transitional housing and counseling to families suffering domestic violence,” said Wes Stowers. “Our parents, Sarah and Harry Stowers, would be very pleased to know of our family’s continued support of the McNabb Center’s mission.”

The project is supported by contributions from The Stowers Family, Knox County Government, Thomas & Lindsey Boyd, Bob & Molly Joy, Lawson Family Foundation, Jim & Natalie Haslam, Bill & Chrissy Haslam, The Pilot Corporation, Steve & Ann Bailey, Phillip O. Lawson, Richard & Joni Maples, Cherokee Distributing and numerous community donors. 

“Knox County is proud to partner with the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation to support transitional housing specifically for families escaping domestic violence,” said Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “We must come together as a community to provide this vital resource and help families feel safe while they regain their independence.”

Since its founding in 1972, the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation has worked diligently to support the work of the McNabb Center. In addition to providing leadership and direction, the Foundation’s staff and volunteer board actively raises, holds and invests funds on behalf of the Center. Funds raised by the Foundation over the past 50 years have contributed greatly toward the stability and growth of the Center. For more information, visit www.mcnabbfoundation.org or call 865-541-6684.

The McNabb Center broke ground on the expansion of its residential substance use treatment facility, CenterPointe, on Tuesday, February 1. This expansion will increase the number of treatment and medical detoxification beds by 40 percent and improve the building’s meeting spaces and outdoor amenities. Individuals in need of treatment for substance use disorder can stay for up to 28 days at CenterPointe and receive care from licensed counselors and clinicians. 

“There is a significant need for substance use treatment services in our community. We are proud that this expansion will allow for increased access to treatment options and recovery,” said Jerry Vagnier, McNabb Center CEO. “The positive impact of this project extends beyond the walls of this facility. By helping treat substance use disorders, we are helping create a healthier community overall.”

The CenterPointe expansion project was funded through a campaign by the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation, chaired by Ted Flickinger and Richard Maples. The project is possible because of the support of Knox County, the City of Knoxville, UT Medical Center, Clayton Homes, Thomas and Lindsey Boyd, the Boyd Foundation, Brunton Masonry and numerous private donors.

The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” we provide a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood. Since 1948, the Center has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 36,000 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) The McNabb Center celebrated the groundbreaking of Mineral Springs Manor today. Mineral Springs Manor is a 50-unit rental housing complex, providing much-needed low-income housing to senior citizens in the Knoxville area. 

This unique housing program will offer independent living to seniors experiencing issues with the aging process. It can offer supportive services that help seniors retain their independence and maintain their safety. 

This nearly $8 million project is possible because of the financial support of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation, the City of Knoxville, Knox County, Federal Home Loan Bank-Cincinnati, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency and numerous private donors.

“Knoxville is in need of housing options for low-income senior citizens,” said Jerry Vagnier, McNabb Center president and CEO. “We are excited to begin construction on this project and work to address that need in our community.”

The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” we provide a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood. Since 1948, the Center has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 30,000 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.

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Each year the McNabb Center provides more than 2,300 children and families with holiday gifts and experiences through its Dear Santa program, presented by Discovery, Inc. 

Last year, of those 2,300 children more than 1,000 received Christmas gifts from a wish list as part of the Dear Santa Program. Children in need, who are clients of the McNabb Center, and their siblings, have the opportunity to fill out their wish list for Santa. The lists include toys as well as basic needs. Community individuals, businesses and civic organizations then have the ability to shop for a specific child or family.  

“We are seeing a greater need this holiday season,” said Rebecca McKnight, McNabb Center’s public relations and communications coordinator. “Many of the children and families we serve have been impacted by COVID-19, and many of the families we serve have the greatest needs and fewest resources.”

As of early November, the Dear Santa Program has more than 150 children ages birth through 18 years old still in need of a sponsor. The McNabb Center is working to fill lists daily and is seeking to match all children with a sponsor by Friday, Nov. 20. 

“We rely heavily on the generosity of our community and the spirit of giving,” said McKnight. “These donated gifts help us serve as many children as possible and help the children and families we serve experience the joy of the holiday season.”

Gifts for sponsored wish lists need to be delivered to the McNabb Center Tuesday, Dec. 2 – Friday, Dec. 4. Further drop-off information will be provided to sponsors when they sign up. For information about the Dear Santa program and how to sponsor a child, visit https://mcnabbfoundation.org/hrm_events/2020-dear-santa-program/

If you cannot sponsor a child, but still wish to contribute, visit https://mcnabbfoundation.org/donate/. For any additional information, please contact Rebecca McKnight at (865) 329-9176 or rebecca.mcknight@mcnabb.org.

The Helen Ross McNabb Foundation is grateful to Rusty Wallace Toyota’s donation to the Morristown Jail-to-Work program. To see full coverage of the event, please see the Citizen Tribune’s article.

To learn more about the Center’s Jail-to-Work program, click here.

We are excited to share the new Helen Ross McNabb Foundation website. The McNabb Foundation has grown tremendously since its creation in 1972 and 2019 was a banner year thanks to you all. The Foundation has enjoyed its most successful year to date as it embarked on several ambitious campaigns to meet community needs. Special events set records in both attendance and funds raised and, most importantly, we met new friends to support our cause.

The Foundation campaigns included East Tennessee Military Services, Mineral Springs Manor senior housing and Hamblen County Recovery Housing. Each campaign sought to meet a gap in the continuum of services offered by the Center. 

Three years ago the Foundation raised funds to provide outpatient mental health and substance use treatment to veterans, active-duty military and/or their immediate family members. During this time approximately 400 individuals were served, families were preserved and others were reconciled. We have served veterans with highly trained military veteran mental health professionals; a formula for success that we want to perpetuate for years to come for those who have served our country. 

Our Mineral Springs Manor senior housing campaign was also a tremendous success and will result in the development of 50, one-bedroom, affordable, permanent supportive housing rental units for low-income seniors in Knox County. This $6 million project is a record fundraising campaign for the Foundation.

In Morristown, our very successful Jail to Work program, helping women with criminal involvement and substance use issues, identified safe, affordable, sober housing as a need. Our volunteers rallied to raise funds for a 4-unit, 20-bed apartment development that is now providing critical housing to these women. The positive results are unprecedented with 86% success (getting jobs, paying debts and not returning to jail). Investing in their lives is good for their families and the community.

The special events, including the Spirit Award Dinner, Scenic City Sporting Clays, Big BBQ Bash, Bob Kesling & Bert Bertelkamp Golf Tournament, Russell Biven Clayfest, Knoxville Challenger tennis tournament, the Beth Haynes 12 Days Auction and Dear Santa program, were all wildly successful. The ability to share our story through these events and raise needed funds is priceless.

The Helen Ross McNabb Foundation appreciates the importance of providing care for children who have faced traumatic experiences. The Foundation has supported a Therapeutic Preschool program in Knoxville since 2017 and anticipates completing a fundraising campaign in 2020 to provide a similar service in Chattanooga. A tremendous amount of education and training around Adverse Childhood Experiences has been completed and our staff have the expertise to treat children who have had bad childhood experiences.

These amazing fundraising initiatives and events are only possible because of our volunteers, supporters and donors. THANK YOU to each and every one of you for sharing your time, energy and resources to improve the lives of the people we serve.