The sun has set on Dinner of Firsts 2024, but its impact will continue to shine for first-generation college students, their families, and our local workforce for years to come. The sold-out event, presented by First Horizon and Morning Pointe Senior Living, surpassed all expectations by netting a record-breaking $114,854.  

Local community leader Jim Coleman, President and CEO of Erlanger and a first-generation community college graduate, was honored with a roast on Thursday, November 21. Jim's story serves as a shining example of how access to education can change lives. 

The evening began with an opening toast by event chair and co-host Jay Dale, along with fellow co-host State Representative Greg Vital, President and Co-Founder of Morning Pointe Senior Living. 

Jim Coleman took the spotlight as the evening’s honoree, but not without a few lighthearted roasts from his friends and colleagues. Roasters included: Senator Bo Watson; Sheila Boyington, CEO of The Boyington Group;, Dr. Dane Boyington, Chief Technical Officer of The Boyington Group;, Darrell Moore, CEO Emeritus of HCA Parkridge Health;, Rachel Harris, EVP and Chief Nursing Officer at Erlanger;, and Lynn DeJaco, EVP and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at Erlanger. 

The event would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and a dedicated team of planning committee volunteers including Austin Cantrell, Amy Walker Coleman, Julie Elsea, Wendy Fournet, Bobby Lusk, Dr. Edna Varner, Todd Womack, and Tammy Zumbrum. Hamilton County Commissioner Chip Baker served as Master of Ceremonies. 

Since its inception in 2012, Dinner of Firsts has raised $861,223 in scholarship support for first-generation students, including 293 scholars across thirty-seven different programs.

Enjoy video highlights here.