Ian and Peggy Eskelin, Carol and Mark Maxwell
Brady Fry, Josh Bleidt, Chad Warrix, Joe Fisher
Debbie Smith, Lisa Vultaggio and Jonathan Jackson
Co-chairs Leigh Fisher and Lori Warrix
Lee and Stacie Crisp, Becca Wilson
Starry night Nashville’s Night of Freedom raises funds for Abolition International
T
he stars were out as Michael W. Smith and his wife, Debbie, opened up their lovely farm to promote awareness for a cause close to the heart of some of Music City’s most well-known names. Nashville’s Night of Freedom benefiting Abolition International is an annual soirée that raises money for victims of human trafficking. Greeted by co-chairs Leigh Fisher and Lori Warrix, along with Abolition International’s founder Natalie Grant, distinguished guests filed in to sample the hors d’œuvres, and bid on items that included hand-written “Jesus Take the Wheel” lyrics. The beautiful autumn night provided the perfect backdrop for mingling on the front lawn outside the Smith family barn and listening to the bluegrass tunes of Olde Towne Project. Following the pre-party, partygoers filed into the pristine barn—which some guests remarked could never have housed a horse. Strands of twinkle lights lined the wooden rafters and a series of bright stars were projected onto the back wall creating the ambiance of an outdoor paradise. Spotted in the crowd of music industry veterans and philanthropists was Nashville’s own Jonathan Jackson and his wife, Lisa. Guests noshed on the down-home cuisine provided by Martin’s Bar-B-Que, which included an option of pulled chicken, pork or brisket on petite buns, baked beans, green beans and coleslaw. Mason jars and fresh peonies in wood vases— built by Eastside Reclaiming—completed the rustic vibe. Emcee Kacy Hagerty welcomed Natalie and the president of Abolition International, Stacia Freeman, to share the history of the organization. Brian Shivler, director of strategic partnerships at Abolition International, also addressed the crowd, paving the way for performances from Josh Wilson and Natalie. Perhaps the most exciting moment of the evening was the announcement that Abolition International plans to open a restorative care facility in the Nashville area to treat victims of sex trafficking. As Stacia and Natalie so emphatically communicated to the crowd, “restoration is possible” and Abolition International is doing its part to make that restoration a reality for victims locally and abroad.
Sandy Cornelius, Claire Tyner, Melanie Jeansonne, Peter Magargee, Carissa Pereira, Mariah Bywater
Josh Wilson, Natalie Grant, Stacia Freeman, Brian Shivler
ERIN CRABTREE PHOTOGRAPHS BY SINCLAIR KELLY
32 >> OCTOBER 2013 | nfocusnashville.com
Sonnie and Phil Shay, Kacy Hagerty, Andrew Callaghan
Chris Stark and Mary Gingrass