Betsy Schubring Crossley, Vicki Hearn Horne and Lelan Statom to be honored as community volunteers at 30th annual Crown Affair benefiting FiftyForward; Cigna-HealthSpring to be honored for corporate philanthropy

Event raises funds to support much needed programs for older adults in Middle Tennessee

Nashville, Tenn. — Community volunteers and Nashville leaders Betsy Schubring Crossley, Vicki Hearn Horne, Lelan Statom, and Cigna-HealthSpring will be honored as FiftyForward marks its 30th annual Crown Affair on Thursday, April 25. The Crown Affair, the nonprofit’s signature fundraising event, raises funds to benefit the more than 20,000 individuals (older adults, families and children) impacted by FiftyForward each year in Middle Tennessee.

Nashville, Tenn. — Community volunteers and Nashville leaders Betsy Schubring Crossley, Vicki Hearn Horne, Lelan Statom, and Cigna-HealthSpring will be honored as FiftyForward marks its 30th annual Crown Affair on Thursday, April 25. The Crown Affair, the nonprofit’s signature fundraising event, raises funds to benefit the more than 20,000 individuals (older adults, families and children) impacted by FiftyForward each year in Middle Tennessee.

“We are so proud to honor three amazing individuals and Cigna-HealthSpring for the time, energy and for all they do to benefit the community and specifically to help older adults through FiftyForward,” says Sallie Hussey, executive director of FiftyForward. “The Crowning Achievement Award is our way to say thank you, even though they all deserve so much more.” 

The critical growth in the number of older adults in Middle Tennessee means that the need for services has never been greater. A recent study by the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research/Haslam College of Business/UTK, indicates the 60+ population in Davidson County is projected to increase 33% from 95,000 to 126,000 from 2010-2020. Information from the Williamson County Chamber indicates the number of residents 65 and older will continue to increase from around 20,000 people today to more than 40,000 by 2025. With a mission to support, champion, and enhance the life of those 50 and older, FiftyForward is committed to providing programs for this group now and for many years to come.

This year, The Crown Affair is chaired by Teresa Corlew and Laura Smith, both of whom are former FiftyForward Board members and active community volunteers. Held at the FiftyForward Patricia Hart Building (174 Rains Ave., Nashville 37203), the 30th annual Crown Affair will feature a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and awards at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $250. For information or to purchase tickets, please contact Elizabeth Ralph at 615-743-3409 or eralph@fiftyforward.org. 

Each of this year’s Crown Affair honorees is being recognized because they exemplify a giving spirit and are dedicated to serving others, not only through FiftyForward but also through other nonprofit organizations in the community.

Betsy Schubring Crossley is known for her many contributions to our state. Over the last two decades she has served as Brentwood Mayor and City Commissioner, was appointed to several state boards by the Governor, was the first woman to sit on the Tennessee Local Development Authority and won the Williamson County Impact Award on three separate occasions. She is a long-time volunteer for the FiftyForward Martin Center including roles as advisory chair, coordinating the strategic plan, and as a tutor for technology classes.

Vicki Hearn Horne is one of Nashville’s most notable community volunteers and was a six-year member of the FiftyForward Board. She is a past president of Cable and a past Cable ATHENA Award nominee. She has chaired, served as board member, and led numerous fundraisers for local organizations including the American Heart Association, The Nashville Public Library Foundation, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Nashville Symphony, and The Nashville Food Project.

Lelan Statom is an Emmy-Award winning meteorologist who has spent more than 20 years helping those in the Mid-South start their day as part of NewsChannel 5 This Morning, the station’s #1 rated morning newscast. He is a past Black Achiever with the YMCA and has been honored for his work on television and in the community. In addition, he is a longtime volunteer for FiftyForward including serving as emcee of our popular FiftyForward Madison Station Whistlestop and FiftyForward Bordeaux Hats Off for Bordeaux! events to raise money to aid older adults. 

Cigna-HealthSpring shares our commitment to serve older adults and is an outstanding philanthropic corporate partner. Cigna-HealthSpring is a FiftyForward Corporate Champion, providing dedicated volunteers and generous funding for FiftyForward Adult Day Services, for FiftyForward Fresh/Meals on Wheels, and for all seven FiftyForward lifelong learning centers.

The Crown Affair Patron Party will be held at the home of Melinda and Jeff Balser on Sunday, April 7. Tickets are $500 for two Patron tickets and $1,000 for two Benefactor tickets. To attend, contact Alice Whitson, 615-743-3432 or awhitson@fiftyforward.org

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About FiftyForward

Established in 1956, FiftyForward supports, champions and enhances life for those 50 and older. As a nonprofit operating seven lifelong learning centers –- two in Williamson and five in Davidson County -– FiftyForward offers educational, health and wellness, arts and volunteer programs to engage older adults. FiftyForward also provides comprehensive supportive services and access to resources including FiftyForward Adult Day Services, FiftyForward Fresh/Meals on Wheels as well as the FiftyForward Care Team offering care assessment and services for older adults. FiftyForward Travel offers adventures (regional and international) and The Larry Keeton Theatre, a subsidiary of FiftyForward, features performing arts for all ages. Get social with us – friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about FiftyForward resources and volunteer opportunities by visiting: www.fiftyforward.org.