Music and politics mix at T.J. Martell Foundation gala
Current and former politicians, a Nashville philanthropist and several entertainers were recognized for their professional and civic achievements during the second annual Honors Gala benefiting the T.J. Martell Foundation, which provides funds for cancer, leukemia and AIDS research.
The fundraising event was held at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville.
Susan Simons, a member of the Board of Overseers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, was honored with the Spirit of Nashville Award for her years of philanthropic service to VICC, Alive Hospice, the Community Foundation, United Way and other community organizations.
Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen received the Lifetime Humanitarian Award for his civic and philanthropic efforts; Bill Frist, M.D., former U.S. Senator and transplant surgeon, was given the Lifetime Medical Achievement Award; country music's Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn received the Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award; and singer Michael Bolton received the first Frances Williams Preston Lifetime Music Industry Award.
The T.J. Martell Foundation was founded by Tony Martell and music industry officials after the death of Martell's son, T.J., who died from leukemia.
The foundation supports cancer research at the Frances Preston Research Laboratories at VICC.
The laboratories are led by Harold L. (Hal) Moses, M.D., Hortense B. Ingram Professor of Molecular Oncology and Director Emeritus of VICC.