Russell has dedicated countless hours to numerous area non-profit organizations. The Helen Ross McNabb Foundation has been fortunate to have Russell as the face of the Russell Biven Clayfest for more than 15 years. Under his leadership, the event has quadrupled in revenue, raising nearly $100,000 at the 2022 event.
“As a journalist, Russell raised awareness of the issues faced by our community and, as a local celebrity, they’ve helped raise funds that ensure our services continue.”
Thank you Russell for being a dedicated partner of the McNabb Center!
Russell BivenRussell has dedicated countless hours to numerous area non-profit organizations. The Helen Ross McNabb Foundation has been fortunate to have Russell as the face of the Russell Biven Clayfest for more than 15 years. Under his leadership,…
Excerpt from Knox News
Country music star Con Hunley was singing the praise Monday for the Helen Ross McNabb Center and Pat Summitt.
So were a lot of other people participating in the Pat Summitt Golf Tournament at Cherokee Country Club.
Hunley, who was born and raised in Knoxville, is a longtime friend of the former Tennessee women’s basketball coach.
“I played music around here for years, and I used to do some celebratory events at her house after the basketball season and stuff, Hunley said before teeing off on the 10th hole. “We’ve known each other a long time. She’s always been fond of my music, and I’m grateful for that. It’s just a great thrill for me to be out here and be able to play in her tournament. It’s a great turnout, too.”
The tournament benefits Knoxville’s Helen Ross McNabb Center, a not-for-profit community mental health care organization that has served East Tennessee since 1948. Summitt, who announced last August that she was diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type, stepped down after 38 seasons in April, but will remain with the Lady Vols as head coach emeritus. Summitt was not made available for comment Monday, but issued a statement through the Helen Ross McNabb Center.
“Every year, I enjoy hosting the Pat Summitt Golf Tournament to encourage others to help out the Helen Ross McNabb Center,” Summitt said. “All proceeds from the event benefit mental health and addiction treatment programs provided in our community.
“As a proud citizen of East Tennessee, I believe there is no greater cause than providing children and adults the opportunity to be healthy and to live to their fullest potential. I am so grateful for the individuals participating in today’s tournament.”
Summitt has helped with benefits for the Helen Ross McNabb Center for more than 14 years.
“This is one of the many special elements in the life of a very, very special lady,’ said UT athletic director Dave Hart, who played in the tournament. “She’s a giver, and she’s always been a giver. Anytime Pat’s involved in something, you see the response. This is a very typical response. It’s been going on for many, many years, and people want to be associated with Pat because of who she is.” Knox County sheriff Jimmy Jones and Knox County attorney general Randy Nichols played in the foursome with Hunley.
“It’s a great golf tournament,’ Jones said. “We try to play in it every year. Helen Ross McNabb has done a great job in our community, and of course we love Pat. She put women’s basketball on the map. We’re glad to come out every year and support this. Summitt’s golf game got some headlines June 8 when she made a hole-in-one at Sevierville Golf Club.
However, Summitt didn’t play in her tournament Monday – instead meeting and greeting all the players and posing for photos with them.
“It’s always fun to get into this tournament.” Nichols said. “The money that Helen Ross McNabb raises and that Coach Summitt helps us raise just pays off for this community.
Literally, we couldn’t function without Helen Ross McNabb, so we’re glad to be here and contributing”.
Excerpt from Knox News Country music star Con Hunley was singing the praise Monday for the Helen Ross McNabb Center and Pat Summitt. So were a lot of other people participating in the Pat Summitt…
I learned about the McNabb Center’s Therapeutic Preschool in 2003 and knew that this was a program my heart longed to help with! At that time it was called the Therapeutic Nursery, but its name was eventually changed to more accurately reflect the age of the children. I started my weekly volunteering here in April of 2003. Mondays soon became my favorite day because I could be a part of something that did such important and valuable work that means so much to me! The Therapeutic Preschool program is designed to help young children who had been or are at risk of being traumatized, abused or neglected. It’s a safe space in which they can process their emotions and learn coping skills, in addition to having a healthy meal, art and play time; and where they can feel the care, support and nurturing of all the adults present – the teachers/child life specialists, interns and other volunteers – all who understand and are equipped to provide this specialized care.
Over the years I have been incredibly blessed and honored to help here! I have been rewarded so much more by my experiences in Preschool than I ever gave. I have laughed with the children, cried privately in my heart for them, prayed for them and have absolutely loved their innocent and honest questions. “Well, I’m not actually 103 years old but that’s a good guess!” And “yes you are so right, my hands are much wrinklier than the other teachers!” “The marks on my legs? Oh no worries! They aren’t boo-boos and they don’t hurt, they are just spider veins that older people get sometimes!” They have filled my heart with so much joy and my spirit has been lifted each week I was there. I have gotten to know and care for so many precious children, help with classroom duties and witness the staff’s devotion and commitment to the kids, their families, and the program.
Within Preschool I knew that each child’s voice was being heard, the hurts of their traumas understood, their unique needs were being addressed and helped and I could see that many times their outward behavior reflected this growth and healing. I saw firsthand how the children thrived and improved as they progressed through the program and their graduation date approached. And I was able to make a personalized fleece blanket for each kiddo when they graduated – just a very small additional way I could offer my heart to them, but one which means so much to me. I have truly felt so grateful that I could be a part of a program that does so much good in helping children who have endured too many struggles at such a young age!
In 2020 with the beginning of the pandemic, McNabb needed to temporarily suspend all its volunteer activities. So my Monday “highlight” stopped, and in the subsequent years I have had other wonderful obligations come up, so I felt I needed to “retire” from my weekly in-classroom volunteer commitments. However, I have been able to continue making a fleece blanket for each child when they graduate, thanks to the Preschool staff (Ms. Clara and now Ms. Abby) who keep me informed of each child’s graduation date and the preference on which kind of blanket the child would like me to make for him or her. This is such a blessing to me that I can still be involved with Preschool and share my heart with the kiddos even though I can’t be there in the classroom!
As you can tell, I miss the children, staff, and being in the classroom – but Preschool and the McNabb Center will always hold a special place in my heart and I am so very grateful to be a part of such a wonderful organization! I have been blessed by all of you!!
-Joanie Scheuer (aka “Ms. Joanie”)
Joanie ScheuerI learned about the McNabb Center’s Therapeutic Preschool in 2003 and knew that this was a program my heart longed to help with! At that time it was called the Therapeutic Nursery, but its name…
The McNabb Center is grateful to our partners at First Utility District of Knox County! Not only do their employees sponsor over 100 kids each year for Dear Santa, they are always willing to come out and volunteer at our events, such as Elf Shopping and Knoxville Challenger. They always go above and beyond in their support of our clients and events!
The McNabb Center is grateful to our partners at First Utility District of Knox County! Not only do their employees sponsor over 100 kids each year for Dear Santa, they are always willing to come…
One of my favorite experiences was the year we did the Sunrise breakfasts in all the counties we served. I was board chair, and my job was to tell the story of Helen Ross McNabb…
