$10,000 Received from Middle TN Electric Membership Customers Care

BrightStone recently received a $10,000 grant from the Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Customers Care board to initiate an upgrade to the Learning Lab.

Happy Halloween!

Today was lots of fun! Costumes, bowling, games, candy, jokes.......

Brenda Hauk, Executive Director, named Williamson County Impact Award Winner by The Nashville Business Journal

Brenda Hauk, Executive Director, was honored today at a luncheon at the Embassy Suites in Cool Springs. Hosted by The Nashville Business Journal, Brenda was selected as an Impact Award Winner in the Nonprofit Leadership category. This award honors an individual that displays high energy and skill in a leadershp role at a Williamson County nonprofit institution or organization. Congratulations, Brenda! (Photo courtesy of David Schenk/schenkphotography.com)

BrightStone's Board Chair, Dr. Craig Ferrell, named "Board Member of the Year!"

Photos courtesy of David Schenk/SchenkPhotography.com

Last night, over 1000 nonprofit staff members, volunteers, donors and sponsors gathered at the Renaissance Hotel for the 2008 Salute to Excellence event, hosted by the Center for Nonprofit Management. BrightStone attendees were thrilled when Dr. Ferrell received the "Board Member of the Year" award, sponsored by KraftCPA's. Several staff members, donors, board members, and members of the Ferrell family attended.

Bobby's Celebration

Today marked a special celebration for Bobby Pazouki, originally from Iran. Not only did he celebrate his birthday, but he was even more excited to share the news that yesterday he became a true legal resident of the United States! BrightStone's multi-purpose room was dressed up in red, white and blue with flags and balloons all around as we celebrated Bobby's achievement.

HCA Volunteers Highlighted in The Tennessean's Sunday Williamson A.M.

Pet Therapy

This afternoon held a special treat for BrightStone, as our favorite greyhounds, Trixie and Libby, came for a visit!

We Love our Boss!

Boss's Day was celebrated at BrightStone this morning, by staff and students, with presentations to both our Executive Director, Brenda Hauk and our Program Coordinator, Dru Victory. What wonderful leadership we have!

Golf Awards!

Jon Hasty was recognized as having raised over $149,000 through the years and as being the leading golf fundraiser to date for this year with over $17,000 to date.


First time golfer in BrightStone's benefit, raising the most dollars, was Debra Robichaux, all the way from Louisiana!


Team with the lowest score was the Breeden team.


Jake Sproul was the winner of the "Closest to the Pin" contest. Jake was also a new golfer.



Daniel Kellogg, another new golfer, won the Longest Drive award.



Scott Jamison, Phil Breeden and Jake Sproul competed in the putting contest, with Scott Jamison being the winner!


What an exciting day!

7th Annual Golf Benefit

BrightStone's 7th annual Golf Benefit was held on Monday, October 6, at The Governors Club. What a beautiful day and a special event! A total of 42 golfers, support partners, friends, family and students gathered to celebrate the fundraising success of the collective efforts of everyone!

Over $84,000 has been collected to date....and golfers may continue to turn in money through December 1st to qualify for top prizes!


Golfers strived for the perfect shot.......


enjoyed the food......


loved the many prizes.......

Golf Chair Gary Hauk with Prize Co-Chair, Buddy Victory (also Ron Rabin served as Prize Co-Chair)


and raised much needed funds for BrightStone!

Helping Adults with Special Needs was the Goal......Playing Golf was the Excuse!

More Photos from Golf Benefit

Spring Hill Ham Fest

BrightStone staff and volunteers enjoyed the beautiful sunshine at the recent Spring Hill Ham Fest! BrightStone's booth of products was quite popular! Many more product shows are on our calendar through the end of the year!

Belmont's Debate08

BrightStone was invited to participate in the Block Party at Belmont, during the afternoon preceding the Presidential Debate. Brenda, Lee and Tina braved the much-needed rain to set up a booth with a display of products and information to help build awareness for BrightStone and our population of adults with special needs.

Special Olympics Bowling was Fun!

Last Friday, students and staff headed over to Franklin Family Entertainment Center for a morning of fun and competition. Our very own Philip and Justin participated in the opening ceremonies! We were happy that many parents joined us for the morning as well!