McNabb's Spirit Award Dinner to honor the Steenrod's
March 11,2022

KNOXVILLE - Mitch and Debby Steenrod who spearheaded the McNabb Center’s Military Services program, will be honored at the 2022 Spirit Award Dinner.

The Spirit Award Dinner began in 2004 to recognize individuals who have supported the efforts of the McNabb Center and have worked selflessly to improve the community as a whole. The Steenrod’s have made a long-lasting impact on the region's veterans and active servicemen and women through their tireless involvement with the Center's Military Services program.

Mitch and Debby worked directly with McNabb Center leadership to address gaps in mental health care directly related to veterans. This partnership led to an innovative clinical program created for individuals and families who sacrificed so much for our country.

The Steenrod’s passion led them to chair the Military Services Capital Campaign for the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation, raising $2.5 million to build the Military Services facilities. The completed project launched in 2016 and continues to expand and serve veterans, active servicemen and women and their families, free of charge.

In addition to their partnership with the Military Services program, Mitch serves as an active and engaged board member for the McNabb Center and Helen Ross McNabb Foundation. He also serves on several other local non-profit and national boards.

Mitch has served as a board member for the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation. He continues to serve the McNabb Center board as well as several other local non-profit and national boards.

Debby's heart for veterans also extends outside the McNabb Center. She has worked closely with HonorAir Knoxville, volunteering much of her time to enhance and support the non-profit. Debby has had the privilege of escorting veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built to honor their service and sacrifice.

"Mitch and Debby have done a great deal to further the mission of the McNabb Center and provide specialty services to veterans and their families," said Houston Smelcer, McNabb Center Vice President of Development and Government Relations. "Our clients are fortunate to have their dedication and support.”

The 2022 Spirit Award Dinner will be held Tuesday, April 5, at the Knoxville Convention Center.

For ticket information, please visit McNabbFoundation.org/Spirit or contact Rebecca McKnight at (865) 329-9176 or rebecca.mcknight@mcnabb.org.

Since its founding in 1972, the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation has worked diligently to support the work of the McNabb Center. In addition to providing leadership and direction, the Foundation’s staff and 26-member volunteer board actively raises, holds and invests funds on behalf of the Center. Funds raised by the Foundation over the years have contributed greatly toward the stability and growth of the Center.

The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” we provide a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood. Since 1948, the Center has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 36,750 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org.