Summertime is the perfect time for many things, such as fireworks, going for a swim, barbecuing, and ice cream, just to name a few. It’s also the perfect time for outdoor music. Grabbing a couple of chairs or a blanket and heading out to listen to music is a seasonal must. Nothing is better than relaxing while listening to a band play in the background amongst an orange and pink sunset. It’s a perfect picture of summertime in the South.
Capturing this poetic summer scene while raising money for a worthy cause is the local chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC). The club kicked off the summer season with its third annual “Live on the Lawn” event at South Jackson Civic Center.
Those in attendance enjoyed a concert on the lawn featuring the band “A Slice of American Pie,” which performed on the center’s outdoor patio stage. Dinner was catered by local eatery Crazy Daisy’s. Admission included a souvenir picnic bag, box dinner, water, and drink ticket. All attendees needed to bring lawn chairs and be prepared for an evening of music under the stars.
Club president Tanya Sheeley said the event came about post-COVID when the club was working to move forward with resuming events.
“Before COVID, our big fundraising event was a wine tasting,” she said. “Once things started opening back up, we began to think about how we could get together again. I suggested a picnic with a band. We formed a committee and mapped out the event details. We decided to call it ‘Live on the Lawn.’ We then thought it should include some great gourmet food, music, and community. It has worked out really well for us. We’ve held the event for three years, and it’s raised many funds for the organizations we support.”
Sheeley added that the public has been very supportive of coming out to attend.
“They have responded well,” she said. “I think it’s successful because it allows us to have an evening of relaxation while raising money for some very worthy causes. This year we raised funds for Blue Monarch and 5 Loaves 4 Kids. We’re so glad to have this unique opportunity to do something good for the community.”
The GFWC is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. GFWC Centennial Woman’s Club of Tullahoma has supported over 30 groups and organizations in the Tullahoma area by providing donations, volunteer hours, and other projects to help the community. The club meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Tullahoma Woman’s Club building at 709 Wilson Ave. from August through May. New and prospective members are welcome to attend. GN
