NIKKE RYNER
Ahead of the upcoming fundraising event, A Tennessee Waltz, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and his wife Dawn graciously agreed to share their thoughts on giving back and this year’s event.
Held in the beautiful, marbled halls of the Tennessee State Capitol on September 28, patrons from all across the state come to this event to celebrate our heritage and to support the Tennessee State Museum and its programs.
Dawn grew up in Loretto, Tennessee, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Memphis, and is a former kindergarten teacher. She served in many capacities, including President of the Bartlett Animal Shelter Committee, which raised funds to build a new Animal Shelter. She also participated in the Habitat For Humanity Carter Work Project in Nashville.
Tre is from Ripley, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He has served as Tennessee State Representative House District 97, House Republican Leader, and Chairman of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, and currently serves as the 37th TN Secretary of State. Together, the Hargett’s have two boys, Cole and Connor.
We chatted with the Hargetts to learn more about this year’s event and what it means to them. (tnmuseum.org)
Nashville Lifestyles: What made you want to chair A Tennessee Waltz?
Dawn Hargett and Tre Hargett: We have attended the Tennessee Waltz minus one year (because of our son’s sports commitment) since 2010. We love the evening inside our historic State Capitol and are honored to be chairs of this year’s Waltz. We hope to steward the event in a way that best honors Tennessee’s history and aids in the State Museum’s mission.
NL: How are the funds raised from this event utilized and how much has been raised over the years?
DH & TH: The funds raised through the Tennessee Waltz are used for education programming for children and adults across Tennessee’s 95 counties. The Waltz has raised over $3 million over the years.
NL: Why do you think supporting the Tennessee State Museum is important and vital to our community?
DH & TH: The Tennessee State Museum provides children and adults with a rich, comprehensive, and integrative experience to explore and learn all about the great state of Tennessee. Visitors can learn about Tennessee’s natural history, its native people, historic settlements, and travel through history to the present. They can also delve into unique exhibits that highlight special interests, such as Tennessee’s art and craft, the military, or tour the Capitol building. The State Museum brings Tennessee history directly to the citizens of Tennessee, and we are blessed to help expand their reach.
NL: What inspires you to utilize your time, talents, and treasure to support nonprofits?
DH & TH: Seeing the benefits that nonprofits provide to our state and local communities inspires us the most. The work that organizations do to provide Tennesseans with better lives, whether that be experiences or services, makes all the work that goes into volunteering and giving worthwhile. We want to make Tennessee a better place for all Tennesseans.