Notes for Nurses is more than just an exciting night of dinner and dancing. The fundraiser for Cumberland University’s Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions, currently in its seventh year, has a long reach. Nearly half a million dollars has been raised since its inception – all designated to nurs-ing program scholarships and simulation labs.
Dean Dr. Mary Bess Griffith thanked the 375 ticket holders who attended this year’s event on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Wilson County Expo Center. She noted that it was a commitment to come out on a cold, rainy night – but delivered on a promise that it would be a “heck of a party.”
Griffith said the mission of Rudy School of Nursing is simple – to be the best. “We have a very clear vision. Our vision is to be the best nursing program in the Middle Tennessee area. We will be excellent – we will be nothing less,” she explained. “We will be the nursing program by which all others measure themselves. So, we have set a high bar but I have no doubt that we can meet that. You are the reason we are going to meet that.”
Thanks to Notes for Nurses, five scholarships were given to nursing students at the beginning of the fall semester.
“We can’t do things without your help. It allows us to go above and beyond. You contributed to the potential health outcomes of every patient these students touch,” Griffith concluded.
The audience also heard from attorney Frank Rudy, nephew of Jeanette C. Rudy for whom the school is named. Rudy joked that he was her favorite nephew before sharing insight into his aunt’s life and passion.
“Jeanette could not have children. That was probably her greatest disappointment – that she could not have a legacy. Our children are our legacy,” Rudy said. “Jeanette decided that her legacy was going to be this nursing school.”
He recalled going to a pinning ceremony and becoming emotional. “I looked at those beautiful, young faces heading out into the world to do great things and to save lives. That’s her legacy,” he said. “I told them, ‘You better do a good job because you are representing my aunt. You are her kids.’”
The event was chaired for the third time by Pam McAteer. McAteer has volunteered with Notes for Nurses for over four years.
“I love Cumberland University. Several years ago my friend, Denise Boman, who is the CNO (Chief Nursing Officer) at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, asked me to be on the committee. (My involvement) grew from there,” she said. “It has been fun and I’ve met a lot of great people.”
The inaugural event was held in an airport hangar at the Lebanon Municipal Airport and stayed there until 2018 when Notes for Nurses outgrew the space.
“It began as a songwriter’s night and really just evolved. Now it is more of a dance party and dinner,” said McAteer. “We think this will be our biggest year.”
Beth McCall served as an honorary chair for the 2019 installment.
Sponsors included Southern Manor Living Centers, LLC., Alliance Securities & Team HSC, American National Home Health, Compass Auction & Real Estate, Middle Tennessee Periodontics (Dr. Charles Daley), Smile Gallery (Dr. Chad Williams), The Lett Center (Dr. E. Dwayne Lett), Wilson Bank and Trust, Dr. Teresa Larkin and Dr. Jim Newman, Powell & Meadows, Gibbs Pharmacy, Cedar City RV, McAteer Animal Hospital, Modern Eye Gallery, and Tay-lord Fitness.
Table sponsors were Bill Williams, Whip Crackin’ Rodeo, THW Insurance Services, Summit Medical Center, Drs. Paul and Cristy Stumb, Jim & Katie Stewart, Sloan’s Lawn Care and Landscaping, Quality Center for Rehabilitation and Healing, Oakmont Health, LP Moore, Beth McCall, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Manous, Tim Leeper, Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce, Susan Kirshner, Kane & Crowell Law Firm, HTK Wealth Management, Hot Springs Spas of Music City, Dr. Mary Bess Griffith, Alan Davenport, Mark Conner, City of Lebanon, CedarStone Bank, Drs. Jarred, Bart Benson, AnyCare 24, Alive Hospice, World Classic Martial Arts and The Pavilion.