In publishing this magazine, the West Knoxville Lifestyle team has the incredible opportunity and privilege to work with some of the most generous and community-driven business leaders in East Tennessee who truly make a difference. We are proud to call these leaders our Partners and friends.
Each month we collaborate with our Partners to bring you stories we’ve discovered that spotlight the generous souls living, leading, and serving in our part of the Volunteer State. All year, we have the pleasure of sharing many of their fascinating back stories–how they got into the industry, or business, or nonprofit leadership position where they excel.
Our Partners are vested in their community. It seemed fitting for our Holidays and Giving issue to recognize just a few of these leaders, to learn where and why they donate during this giving season.
As decisions are made about year-end donations, we hope this multi-Partner feature will inspire you with their commitment to the charitable organizations that are meaningful to them and impact the lives of so many of our neighbors in need.
PYA Waltman Capital. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee
Hunger transcends demographics, geography, and backgrounds. Second Harvest works tirelessly not only to provide food to those in need, but also to provide education on healthy eating and to create innovative ways to reach those with the greatest need, such as hungry children in our schools who cannot seek out resources on their own. Our team at PYA Waltman makes it a tradition to volunteer at Second Harvest’s annual Thanksgiving Distribution Day. Second Harvest needs financial support and is always looking for volunteers. Their annual “Double Your Donation Day” is December 7 when a $1 donation will provide six meals! SecondHarvestETN.org
Melissa Ballard, Owner, Director of Financial Planning, PYA Waltman Capital, Harmony
I discovered Harmony Family Center when I got involved as an equine therapy volunteer. Harmony provides innovative support to children and guardians in the realms of foster care and adoption, among other services such as trauma-informed training for our first responders and educators. It’s hard for us to acknowledge that children in our community experience horrific trauma. Harmony leans in to help those children and families move forward in a healthy way so they can live their best lives. Harmony needs our support via financial donations and awareness so they can continue to expand their services and reach. HarmonyFamilyCenter.org
Sandy Kozar, Owner/Interior Designer of Decorating Den Interiors | Kozar Design Team
We support the American Red Cross. Ninety percent of what is donated goes to victims, most recently toward those affected by Hurricane Helene. I feel it is our responsibility as a community to support others that are in need. The American Red Cross does this very well. When you want to help, but are not sure how, they will make sure that the money goes towards the immediate needs. RedCross.org
Doug Mapp, CDP, LearningRx Knoxville. Yoke Youth.
At LearningRx Knoxville, we’re honored to support YOKE Youth, a nonprofit close to our hearts. Their mission to mentor and empower middle school students aligns deeply with our commitment to unlocking potential in young minds. YOKE Youth’s work in fostering positive relationships and inspiring growth in our community's youth resonates with the values we hold at LearningRx. As we look toward the end of the year, we invite you to join us in supporting YOKE Youth. Together, we can create lasting change. Learn more, give back to this amazing cause, and help us support YokeYouth.com
Lita Belcher Interior Design. Junior Achievement of East Tennessee
I have enjoyed volunteering with Junior Achievement of East Tennessee for the past five years. Whether it’s designing and supporting events or showing up to encourage young people to strive for entrepreneurial success, investing in our young people’s futures is at the heart of my work for this organization. JA is a nonprofit that provides young people with tools and resources to learn about financial literacy and work readiness. We set up events and challenges throughout the year for them to apply these skills, with BizTown being a favorite for all who experience it. Learn more at amber@jaeasttennessee.org or EastTennessee.JA.org
Tamara Fye PT, LNHA, CDP, Founder & Owner, Aging Family Partners
I support ABA Riverside Coffee Shop because they facilitate independence and confidence in our special needs community. The owner provides specialized care and education to adults with learning disabilities, teaching necessary skills for community employment, social, household, life, behavioral, and coping skills to live a more independent life. AbaNextSteps.com. I support Alex Gardner’s Mother Baby Nutrition Foundation because every Mamma deserves to have an experienced “coach” in their corner. Alex is a registered/licensed dietician and lactation specialist who engages with mothers pre- and postpartum to teach them how to nourish themselves and care for their babies, with non-judgmental, practical interventions. MotherBabyNutrition.org
Larry and Debbie Nicholson, Tri-Star Lodge
We are proud to support the truly inspirational Smoky Mountain Service Dogs (SMSD). Larry is a retired United States Marine, and we are very grateful for any organization focused on supporting our great veteran warriors. Larry and I have been impressed with this highly professional organization founded by Mike and Suzy Kitchens in Lenoir City in 2010 “to enhance the physical and psychological quality of life for wounded Veterans by providing custom-trained mobility assistance service dogs (at no cost to the Veteran).” SMSD has trained and provided nearly 75 mobility assistance service dogs to wounded warriors and first responders throughout Tennessee. SmokyMountainServiceDogs.org
Patricia Bishop, Restoring Awe Counseling
The organization that I would like to highlight is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). I previously worked with seriously mentally ill individuals and veterans, both of which are populations that have high incidents of suicide. Losing my husband guided me to do the work that I do with grief and loss. Though my life was devastated by his choice, I also believe that it guided me to do the work that I do. More education and resources are needed to help people feel that they are loved and have options other than to end their lives. Knoxville has at least two walks (Out of the Darkness) each year to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Afsp.org
Demi Klonaris, Spaces in the City
I have volunteered with the Emerald Youth Foundation for many years, serving as a mentor from 2008 to 2012. This year, we showcased our venues to the youth, cooked with them in our kitchen, and shared all about the event and food industry. I feel it is so important to empower young adults in our community to bring vibrant life to our workforce. Annually, we cater many events for Emerald Youth Foundation, from graduations to their yearly breakfast fundraiser. This program holds a special place in my heart as it is dedicated to nurturing our youth and guiding them to become the leaders of tomorrow. There are several ways to support the program: volunteering, donating, or linking your Amazon Smile and Kroger accounts. EmeraldYouth.org
Julie D. Eisenhower, Esq. and Mital D. Patel, Esq. Patel & Eisenhower
At Patel & Eisenhower, PLLC, we prioritize giving back to our community, especially to vulnerable groups, through dedicated philanthropy. We proudly support XHunger in its mission to end hunger in America, partnering with food pantries to combat food insecurity. Sunshine Services serves Knoxville citizens with intellectual disabilities, providing education and support for self-fulfillment. Additionally, the Widowed Parent Relief Project offers hope and relief to grieving widowed parents and their families. We are honored to work with these impactful nonprofits, helping foster resilience and support where it’s most needed. XHunger.org, SunShineService.org, WPRP.org
Ken Baer, CEO, K&P Remodeling
K&P Remodeling’s Culture and Community Outreach Division is dedicated to making a difference. Through the K&P Cares program, we recently partnered with the American Red Cross, committing to donate $100.00 per sale until December 31, 2024. All proceeds will go toward hurricane relief efforts, helping those affected by devastating storms. This specific partnership began in response to the most recent hurricane and will continue through the end of the year. At K&P Remodeling, we believe in putting the community and people first. Learn about all of our community outreach initiatives at KPremodeling.com. RedCross.org
Eric Bower, Managing Partner, Sutherlin Subaru.
Sutherlin Subaru proudly donated over $300,000 to organizations that enhance lives and strengthen communities. We partnered with the Michael Dunn Foundation to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also supported CASA of the Tennessee Valley advocating for children in need, and the Mid-East Community Action Agency (MECAA), to aid families in our region. Through the Subaru Share the Love event, we expand our impact. We encourage everyone to get involved—by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word. Together, we create inclusive communities and help individuals reach their full potential. MichaelDunnFoundation.org, CasaTNValley.org, MECAA.net