Cheryl and George Kershaw


George and Cheryl Kershaw of Knoxville will be honored at the annual Spirit Award Dinner benefiting the Helen Ross McNabb Center.

Since 2004 the Spirit Award Dinner has recognized individuals who have supported the efforts of the Helen Ross McNabb Center and have worked selflessly to improve their community as a whole. The Kershaws have made a long lasting impact on the East Tennessee community. Their dedication to helping others shows through their involvement with many of Knoxville’s non-profits and service organizations, including the Helen Ross McNabb Center. George, a veteran and businessman, and Cheryl, a celebrated educator and community leader, have both improved lives by dedicating their talents and time to the community.

“George and Cheryl embody a spirit of servitude and compassion that is unmatched. Without community support that is provided by volunteers, the McNabb Center would not have the ability to serve thousands of children and adults facing trauma, mental illness and addiction in East Tennessee,” shared Jerry Vagnier, Helen Ross McNabb Center president and chief executive officer. “The Center’s work was started by a group of concerned citizens and continues today due to the same spirit and concern demonstrated by supporters like George and Cheryl.”

The Kershaws became involved with the Helen Ross McNabb Center in 1995 when George, a lover of golf, helped develop the Center’s annual golf tournament fundraiser. He served as the Golf Committee Chair from 1995-1999 and continued serving on the committee until 2012. He has helped raise approximately $500,000 for the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation. From 1999-2005 and 2008-2015, George served on the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation Board of Directors and worked on various campaigns, including the 2000 annual fund campaign, which raised funds for the Martha A. Withers Friendship House, a peer support center for adults living with a mental health diagnosis.

In their nearly 50 years of marriage, George and Cheryl the Kershaws traveled the world together and helped many people along the way, including those served by the Helen Ross McNabb Center. "We have a passion for the Helen Ross McNabb Center because we see the hope that is given to thousands of Tennesseans in the 21 counties that the Center serves. These individuals and families are often void of hope and usually do not have the funding or insurance to attempt rehabilitation. The Helen Ross McNabb Center provides hope for the poorest and sickest segment of our population and causes wonderful life changes to occur," stated George Kershaw.

The event will be held Tuesday, March 1 at the Knoxville Convention Center, starting at 6:00 p.m. For tickets or more information, please visit mcnabbcenter.org or contact Beth Farrow at 865-329-9030 or beth.farrow@mcnabb.org.