Turning the Tables, same great event with a few new twists for ’08 By Julian Bibb It’s one of the most anticipated parties of the year! Once again, it’s time to turn the tables on local celebrities and raise a little dough for an important community cause.   Southern Exposure Magazine is proud to announce the third-annual Turning the Tables fundraiser, benefiting Save the Franklin Theatre campaign.   By now, most Williamson Countians are familiar with TTT, but for those new to the area, this party bears a little explaining. Local celebrities volunteer to serve at the event as wait staff to all guests. Rather than a seated, multi-course dinner, guests mix and mingle through various songwriter’s stages, food stations and high-top bistro tables. Delicious food, a variety of beverages, great music and good cheer typically characterize the evening, which has sold out in each of its first two years.   “I love that it’s so different from any local fundraising effort,” explains SEM Publisher Brandy Blanton. “It’s casual, you don’t have to dress up. And you walk in and can make your night whatever you want it to be, with so many different options. And of course, everything is included in the $125 fee – the eating, drinking, entertainment and hob-knobbing.”   The beneficiary Started in 2006, TTT is SEM’s annual event aimed at giving back to the community and raising awareness for an important nonprofit organization.   “This is a way we can bring a lot of folks together and raise a lot of money for area causes,” Blanton says. “As a locally based and locally focused magazine, it’s important to us to support our community. That’s one reason we have chosen a different beneficiary each year – because we really want to raise awareness and capital for various organizations.”   In 2006, TTT benefited New Hope Academy. Last year, the event raised support for Hard Bargain Mt. Hope Redevelopment. This year’s beneficiary is one that is near and dear to many local citizens’ hearts.   “The work the Heritage Foundation is doing with the Save the Franklin Theatre campaign is really, really important to Franklin and Williamson County,” Blanton says. “Saving the theater is something that touches a lot of people’s lives – whether you are a business person or a couple wanting to see a movie downtown, or just someone who enjoys the history and nostalgia, it matters to you.”    The host In addition to a new beneficiary, this year’s TTT features a few other changes, as well. Previously, TTT has taken place in June and has been held in Merridee’s Breadbasket and Sandy’s Downtown Grille, both located on Fourth Avenue. But this year, the event takes place in late September, and everything is going to be hosted at the newly completed Boxwood Bistro on Franklin Road, beside The Factory at Franklin.   “The owners of Boxwood Bistro are ecstatic about hosting this year’s event,” Blanton says. “This is an opportunity for them to embrace the community, even as they open their new restaurant. And it’s a chance for the community to see what a great restaurant and entertainment venue Boxwood Bistro is going to be. I am especially excited about having our party fill the downstairs, upstairs and outside patio. It’s just a fantastic venue for TTT.”   The celebrities What celebs will be on-hand at this year’s TTT??? Blanton says the list is not public yet. But if the previous years are any indication, it will be a sensational lineup.   Some celebrities who’ve served the party include: Scott Hamilton, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Whalum, Frank Wycheck, Erron Kinney, Darcy Hordichuk, Diamond Rio (Brian Prout & Jimmy Olander), Kelly Sutton, Bob Mueller, 107.5’s Intern Adam, Rhori Johnston, and songwriters Ed Hill, Brett James, Tyler Hayes and Charlie Peacock.   Our Beneficiary About Save the Franklin Theatre The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County purchased the Franklin Theatre buildings in the fall of 2007 with a $1.75 million interest-free loan from Emily Magid, board member and nine-year volunteer to the organization. This spring, Cal Turner offered to donate $1 million dollars to the Save the Franklin Theatre project if the Heritage Foundation could match the gift. Magid stepped forward again, forgiving her first loan and making her donation an even $2 million.   “With these two major gifts from Emily Magid and Cal Turner, the Franklin Theatre is secure,” Heritage Foundation President David Garrett stated at the time. “However, it is less than halfway to the goal of $7 million to make it the state-of-the-art movie and event venue that is envisioned for the community.”   The fundraising effort continues. Heritage Foundation Executive Director Mary Pearce says that while much has been raised, the project still has a long way to go.   “We are excited to have reached half of our financial goal with lead gifts from Emily Magid and from the Cal Turner Family Foundation,” Pearce says. “Another $500,000 has been raised from various donors and grants. But it will take all of us in this community to reach our total goal of $7 million. I am so thrilled that Southern Exposure has chosen to honor our project and put us in the forefront of the community in September with this great fundraiser. We couldn’t be more pleased to be the beneficiary of Turning the Tables.”   For more information or to make a donation to the Save the Theatre campaign, visit www.savethefranklintheatre.org and www.historicfranklin.com.