We were very pleased to introduce the Leadership Catholic Class of 2025 at this morning’s Breakfast Meeting! We are excited to see the ways in which each of our class members will be able to grow in their personal, professional and spiritual lives throughout the coming year! If you missed our announcement earlier this week, here is the full list of members of the Leadership Catholic Class of 2025!

We also are grateful to CBL board member Pat Lawson for sharing several points about the recent damage in East Tennessee due to Hurricane Helene. The search-and-rescue process is concluding with Recovery still ongoing. Survivors affected by the devastating storms can call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline (844-965-1386) to report any damage or recovery needs. Amid the chaos of recovery, Bristol Motor Speedway recently stepped forward as a central hub for donation collection, holding and sorting the resources donated as the county offices determine how to allocate and distribute them.

Pat serves as the Senior Manager for Regional Relations for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which serves as an intermediary between philanthropic individuals and corporations, social impact/nonprofit organizations and state/county/city officials. As a leader within the TN VOAD coalition, resources are committed by local social impact and nonprofit organizations with counseling and pro bono legal support included to ensure equitable treatment during the recovery process. 

Amid the crisis, Pat concluded, there are a lot of people doing extremely positive work, and the recovery is being managed extremely successfully by all parties. However, there is still plenty of work to be done. Donations can be sent to Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, East Tennessee Community Foundation and/or the  Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center. More information about TEMA Hurricane Helene Resources and Material Donations can be found at the links included. 

Lastly, let us continue to pray for all those affected by the hurricane, and especially for those who have lost their lives due to the storm. May God bless all of us and walk with those affected along the road to recovery. 

Thanks to all who attended today’s meeting, and we look forward to seeing you on November 14 for our next Breakfast Meeting, where we will honor our 2024 Catholic Professional of the Year!