Fundraising | Meade Activity Center

MAC Matters Gala: A Decade of Success

April 30, 2019

The 10^th Annual MAC Matters Gala was another wonderful evening for the Meade Activity Center. Attendees from multiple states turned out for the annual MAC Gala, held in Brandenburg, KY on April 26^th. With a sellout crowd on-hand, we had the chance to recognize many folks who have played a vital role in the lifespan of the Meade Activity Center.

Throughout the evening various groups were honored for their impact in the development of the MAC. Board Service Award Winners included John Hamilton, Jason Sutton, Meg King, John Beavin, Scott Wilson, and Randall Bradley.

Gala Service Awards were presented to individuals who helped shape the gala year after year. Recipients included: Nicole Whelan, Stephanie Parker, The Meade County Homemakers, Shirley Beavin, and Mike & Diana Greenwell.

Collaborative Service Awards were presented to organizations who have worked alongside the MAC to ensure program delivery has been possible and to make sure that we are able to provide opportunities to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. The community partners recognized included: The Foundation for a Healthy KY, United Way of Central KY, and Meade County Schools.

Century Club Awards were given to businesses who have made incredible financial contributions since inception. Those business were The Lusk Group, Meade County Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, Powers Paper Company, WesBanco, (Meade County Bank, First State Bank, and Brandenburg Telephone Company), and The Todd Wagner Foundation.

Finally, The MAC Visionary Award was presented to Kari Wagner for her time, energy, and effort that helped launch and sustain the project from the beginning. Kari is a tireless philanthropist and has played a huge role in our organizational development. The Wagner Family has provided previous guests of honor including Kenny Perry, Dan Rather, Don Henley, Monica Seles, Todd Wagner, Michael Johnson, and Chris Tucker. Other prestigious guests have included Meade County Native Rick Stansbury and Former WKU standout and Head Coach Willie Taggert.

Early projections have this year’s gala yielding just under $40,000 to be utilized toward operations, debt retirement, and financial scholarships for families in need toward programs and events.

Many thanks go out to everyone who helped make this a wonderful evening.

GALA SPONSORS

Todd Wagner Foundation, Meade County Farm Bureau Insurance,The Lusk Group, South Central Bank, Powers Paper Company, Rivertown Spirits, Bluegrass Cellular, BBTEL, Hardin Memorial Hospital, Heartland Communications, LG&E, Meade County RECC, The Cecilian Bank, The First Tee of Louisville, WesBanco

Fundraising Archive

The 9th Annual MAC Gala – Another Success

April 27, 2018

The 9^th Annual MAC Matters Gala was another wonderful evening for the Meade Activity Center. Attendees from multiple states turned out for the annual MAC Gala, held in Brandenburg, KY on April 24^th. With a sellout crowd on-hand, Florida State University Head Football Coach Willie Taggart told his remarkable story of his youth, playing days, and the evolving nature of his coaching career. No topic was off limits, from football, to family, and even drowning his sorrows after a tough loss with the MC for the evening, Doug Reed.

Doug Reed conducted the evenings presentation which was unique since his daughter Julie has been on Coach Taggart’s Staff since his time with Western Kentucky University. Over the past decade The Reed family has become close with Willie Taggart and his extended family. They played a huge role in the success of the event, and the MAC owes them a debt of gratitude for providing our guest, and for assisting in the planning of the night’s festivities. Coach Taggart will join a list of decorated individuals who have attended as the guest of honor for this prestigious event. The Wagner Family has provided previous guests of honor including Kenny Perry, Dan Rather, Don Henley, Michael Johnson, Monica Seles, Todd Wagner, Michael Johnson, and Chris Tucker. Early projections have this year’s gala yielding just under $30,000 to be utilized toward operations and financial scholarships for families in need toward programs and events.

Many thanks go out to Coach Willie Taggart and his staff at FSU for helping make this a successful venture.

The MAC would also like to once again thank the sponsors, guests, and volunteers who helped make this another wonderful evening.

Luxury Box Level

Todd & Kari Wagner (Todd Wagner Foundation)

Greg & Shirley Beavin (Meade County Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance)

LOWER LEVEL SPONSORS

Hardin Memorial Hospital

Rivertown Spirits

South Central Bank

The Lusk Group

CLUB LEVEL SPONSORS

Bluegrass Cellular, Brandenburg Telephone Company, Doug & Donna Reed, Louisville Gas & Electric, Meade County RECC, Monument Chemical, The Cecilian Bank, The First Tee of Louisville, Wesbanco

9th Annual MAC Matters Gala – “Do Something Big”

February 13, 2018

The Meade Activity Center is proud to announce that Florida State University Football Coach Willie Taggart will be the guest of honor at the 9^th Annual MAC Matters Gala on Tuesday, April 24^th. The MAC is proud to count Coach Taggart as the ninth keynote speaker at this prestigious event. Previous guests of honor include WKU Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Stansbury, actor & comedian Chris Tucker, US Track & Field Gold Medalist Michael Johnson, entrepreneur and philanthropist Todd Wagner, tennis great Monica Seles, solo artist and member of the Eagles Don Henley, former CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather, and PGA Golfer Kenny Perry.

Willie Taggart is considered one of the best offensive minds in the country and a relentless recruiter. He returns to the Sunshine State, where he was the head coach at the University of South Florida from 2013-2016. Taggart has led remarkable turnarounds at each of his three previous head coaching positions. At Oregon he took over a team that finished 4-8 the previous season and lead them to a hot start including a 77-21 win in his first game in Eugene. The Ducks started out the season with a 5-1 record and completed a 7-5 regular season.

Before his tenure at Oregon, Taggart returned to his hometown Tampa Bay area to take over a South Florida team that won two games in 2012, and turned the Bulls into one of the most exciting programs in the country by 2016. In his final year at the helm in Tampa, Taggart led South Florida to a 10-2 record and No. 25 ranking in the final regular season poll, the team’s first ranking since 2011.

Taggart’s first head coaching job was one of the most difficult reclamation projects in the country, taking over his alma mater that had lost 20 games in a row. He quickly led Western Kentucky to its first two winning seasons since transitioning from FCS to FBS, and in 2012 saw the program reach its first bowl game. The Hilltoppers had a 12-2 stretch from Oct. 2011 through Oct. 2012 with their only two losses coming to No.1-ranked LSU and top-ranked Alabama.

Taggart transitioned to coaching after authoring a playing career that ranks among the best in school history. He was the program’s starting quarterback all four years and broke 11 school records, highlighted by his 47 rushing touchdowns, and left school holding the NCAA Division I record for rushing yards by a quarterback. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Western Kentucky in 1998.

Taggart and his wife, Taneshia, have two sons, Willie Jr. and Jackson, and one daughter, Morgan.

The annual goal of the MAC Gala is to raise capital that supports the mission of the Meade Activity Center. Most importantly, proceeds directly impact those less fortunate, and fund the MAC Financial Assistance program that provides fitness and recreational opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and incomes. In addition to a presentation with Willie Taggart, the Gala will feature a gourmet dinner, complimentary cocktail service, and a silent & live auction. Tickets will go on sale later this month at a cost of $100 per person.

More info to come about individual ticket sales, table sales, and sponsorship opportunities.

8th Annual MAC Gala – Rick Stansbury

May 11, 2017

17 Gala - Beavin

Pictured Left to Right: (BACK ROW) Rick Stansbury, Dustin Humphrey, Greg Beavin, Grant Beavin, Jake Beavin, Meo Stansbury, Cindy Humphrey, Shirley Beavin, Alison Beavin, and MAC Board Chair John Beavin

The 8^th Annual MAC Matters Gala was a fantastic evening for the Meade Activity Center and all in attendance. Folks from all across our region turned out for the annual MAC Gala, held in Brandenburg, Ky. on May 9th. With a sellout crowd on-hand, Western Kentucky University Men’s Basketball Coach and Meade County Native Rick Stansbury kept the crowd on the edge of their seat during one of the most candid and entertaining speaking performances ever during the annual fundraising event. No topic was off limits, from basketball, to family, and even all the way back to growing up in Wolf Creek. Coach Stansbury being from Meade County simply engaged the local audience, and went above and beyond when taking time to meet and take photos with those in attendance.

Kari Wagner conducted the evenings presentation which was special in its own way since Kari also grew up in the Battletown, KY area. She has been an advocate since the MAC’s inception. The Wagner Family has provided previous guests of honor including Kenny Perry, Dan Rather, Don Henley, Michael Johnson, Monica Seles, and Chris Tucker. Early projections have this year’s gala yielding over $30,000 to be utilized toward operations and financial scholarships for families in need toward programs and events.

Many thanks go out to Coach Rick Stansbury and his staff at WKU for working with the MAC to make this another amazing evening.

2017 MAC Gala Sponsors

All-Star Level

wagner foundation

Todd & Kari Wagner

Powers Paper

Martin & Tara Powers

farm bureau

Greg Beavin – Meade County Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance

Triple Threat Level

Rivertown Spirits, The Lusk Group

Slam Dunk Level

Bluegrass Cellular, Brandenburg Telephone Company, Dan Powers GM Center, Hardin Memorial Hospital, Heartland Communications Consultants, LG&E, Meade County Bank, Meade County RECC, Monument Chemical, Powers Paper Company, The Cecilian Bank, Wesbanco

Special thanks go out to volunteers including the MAC Board of Directors, Staff Members, Greg and Shirley Beavin, Mike, Diana, and Zach Greenwell, and all of the volunteers who gave their time and talent to the gala.

MAC GALA SOLD OUT

May 3, 2017

We are looking forward to a Full House for the 8th Annual MAC Gala featuring Western Kentucky University Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Stansbury!