A Tennessee Waltz is perhaps Nashville’s most beautiful fundraising event as it is held within one of architect William Strickland’s masterpieces, The Tennessee State Capital building.
It is one of five known structures Strickland designed, including First Presbyterian Church of Nashville (1849) and Belmont Mansion (1849-1853).
After cocktails at sunset on the many balconies of the Capital building, the black-tie dinner-dance is held within the marbled walls of the historic space. Politcos and socialites alike come from across the state to celebrate our state history and our Tennessee State Museum, and the State Museum Foundation volunteers who help preserve it. Now in its 29th year, the event has been a large factor in the museum’s success and its wonderful educational outreach programs.
Co-chairing this year’s event (which also happened to celebrate the museum’s 85th birthday) were Senator Bo Watson and his wife Nicole Watson. Senator Watson is the current Chair of the Douglas Henry State Museum Commission and has served in the Tennessee General Assembly since 2004. He is also the Director of Therapy Services at Parkridge Health Systems, a part of the HCA Healthcare system, in Chattanooga. Mrs. Watson is a partner at Waller Law and works out of the firm’s Nashville and Chattanooga offices.
Nashville Lifestyles: What was it about A Tennessee Waltz that made you want to co-chair the event?
Nicole Watson: Serving as chairs of the 2022 A Tennessee Waltz was an easy ‘yes’ for us. We both have a great love and appreciation for the State Museum and all it offers to everyone who visits the facility and the programs it provides across the state.
NL: How are the funds raised from the event utilized?
Senator Bo Watson: Funds raised from the event are used for educational projects around the state. Traveling trunks of items from the museum are sent to schools in 95 counties and to schools that do not have the opportunity to visit the museum, so it allows children to have their very own Tennessee state museum. Over the years the Waltz has raised over $3 million, including proceeds from this year’s event which raised more than any other Waltz.
NL: Why is it so important to support the Tennessee State Museum and its mission?
NW: We believe supporting the museum is so important to preserve the history and future of our state for all people to learn and appreciate the value of Tennessee.
BW: Plus, we love entertaining, so, what better opportunity than with over 400 of our friends to raise money for such a worthy cause?
NL: Who has inspired your philanthropic endeavors?
NW: For me, it’s not a certain person, but a group of people. The folks that benefit the most from the services and programs for which we raise money are who influence me the most. If I had to pick individuals it would be former Governor Bill Haslam and Crissy Haslam. Their selfless sense of giving to so many organizations (mostly unseen and unpublicized) is inspiring and commendable.
BW: My parents. They were strong believers in the idea that to whom much is given, much is expected. “Giving” was not an option. It was an expectation.
NL: What inspires you to utilize your time, talents, and treasures as a volunteer?
NW: Sometimes I think we get so lost in our own lives and circles of influence that we forget that not everyone is as fortunate as others—that’s what drives me to volunteer my time.
BW: I want every child, Tennessean, and visitor to Tennessee to have the opportunity to visit the museum, whether in person or through a trunk being delivered to their school. Every person who wants the opportunity to learn should have it.