Story and photography by Marcy Anderson Sanford

The Spirit Award Dinner began in 2004 to recognize individuals who have supported the efforts of the McNabb Center and Helen Ross McNabb Foundation and have worked selflessly to improve lives in the East Tennessee community. This year’s honoree, Andy Shafer, served as Chair of the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation Board of Directors during a successful campaign to raise $1.7 million for the expansion of the ChildNet East Tennessee program and is a member of the Knoxville Challenger, Spirit Award and Investment committees. Andy is an ongoing active supporter of the McNabb Center Foundation’s fundraising efforts and is currently co-chair of the campaign supporting the McNabb Center’s Family Walk-In Center. As one of the only programs of its kind in Tennessee, the Family Walk-In Center offers immediate crisis assessments, stabilization services and support for children experiencing a mental health crisis and their families.