Laughter and tears were in abundance as people throughout the midstate gathered to support the ALS Association of Tennessee, Thursday night, Aug. 23 at Richland Hills Country Club in Nashville.

Murfreesboro author and motivational speaker Cherie Jobe was the keynote speaker for the evening. She shared her story of love and loss. Her husband, Jim Jobe, died from ALS. In her address, she talked about their journey from diagnosis to death. Jobe told the audience how it was the seemingly small things done for them during their struggle that meant so much.

WRKN, Good Morning Nashville anchor Nikki Burdine was the host of the evening. Burdine also knows the impact of ALS.  Her grandfather, Doyle Burdine, was a victim of the disease.

The evening included a silent auction and a live auction. All the funds raised will go towards the ALS Association of Tennessee’s Respite Care program. The program provides a much-needed break for ALS caregivers.

The mission of the ALS Association of TN is to discover treatments and a cure for ALS as well as serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.