Key Event Sponsors Include Mike and Carrie Fisher, Purity Dairy, Coca-Cola, HCA, Advocare, Hemphill Brothers and Journeys
 
Auction Supported by KROGER and Powered by MobileSmartBid

(Nashville, Tenn.) Oct. 16, 2012 - Michael W. Smith, a multi platinum, GRAMMY®, American Music Award and GMA Dove Winning artist partnered with Kroger, MobileSmartBid and several key sponsors to host Rocketown's annual fundraising dinner, auction and evening of entertainment to raise awareness and support for the non-profit outreach for teens.  This year’s event was themed “Comedy for a Cause” and featured comedian guests, Henry Cho and Jeff Allen  

The gathering took place at Rocketown’s downtown Nashville venue, commencing with a VIP reception attended by more than 430 guests and followed by dinner provided by Black-eyed Pea.  The evening was hosted by Michael W. Smith and Melanie Tomczak, Outreach Program Manager for Rocketown.  Musical guests L’Angelus took stage prior to the evening's headliners, comedians, Henry Cho and Jeff Allen.

Notable attendees included Governor Bill Haslam and First Lady Chrissy Haslam, author Karen Kingsbury, American Idol contestant Scott MacIntyre, Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, several Tennessee Titan players, the entire coaching staff of the Nashville Predators – including Coach Barry Trotz, and many others.
 
The event not only set out to entertain, but to honor key members of the Rocketown board of directors including Tom Harrington and Chaz Corzine for their dedicated work in supporting Rocketown.  The evening’s “Volunteer of the Year,” Ernie Clevenger, was awarded for his services and many examples of how Rocketown has made a difference in the lives of teenagers were captured and summed up through two special teens sharing their stories of how the facility made an impact, changed their lives for the better and how it has influenced them throughout the span of their entire teenage years.
 
“This was a great night -- and certainly a great cause.  So many kids have been helped by the ministry at Rocketown,” shares founder, Michael W. Smith.  “The money from this event will help us do more and serve more kids."

Combined sponsorships, generous donations, live auction and new MobileSmartBid online auction generated much needed proceeds that impact day-to-day efforts of Rocketown’s staff.  Auction items included two trips to perform with Michael W. Smith in New York City at Carnegie Hall, an all-exclusive Yacht trip, a Charlie Daniels autographed fiddle, Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators sports packages and more.   

“The evening would not have been possible without the in-kind donations from partners
including Belmont University, First Baptist Church Nashville, J. Alexander’s, Gary Musick Productions, Arrington Vineyards, Red Bull, Brakefield Lighting, and Music City Tents. We're grateful for their contributions," shares Lisa Bergen-Wilson Director of Development & Communications.  

Rocketown's mission is to offer hope to the next generation through Christ’s love.  In the coming year, it will continue to provide that outlet for the community through weekly gatherings, special events and its concerts.

To donate, volunteer or find out more about how to support Rocketown, please visit: http://donate.rocketown.com.  For upcoming events, visit: http://rocketown.com/events