Dreams Renewed: featuring Sara Evans
Celebrating, the Dream Center
The Dream Center in Jackson, TN, is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women and families facing challenges such as homelessness, addiction, and abuse. Their mission is to empower individuals to overcome obstacles, rebuild their lives, and achieve long-term stability through practical assistance and spiritual support.
This past weekend, I had the incredible honor of photographing their largest fundraiser in history: Dreams Renewed. As someone who used to volunteer at the Dream Center during college, this event carried deep personal meaning for me. My artistic journey was profoundly inspired by a woman and her children that I worked with during my time there. Fast-forward almost 12 years, and now my mom serves on their board. Being asked to document this event felt like coming full circle.
Dreams Renewed was truly a night to remember. Over 800 people attended, with more than 100 tables sold. The event featured over 100 silent auction items and 10 live auction items. Every detail was carefully planned to celebrate the families and individuals whose lives have been transformed by the Dream Center’s work. From heartfelt testimonies to a spectacular performance by country music star Sara Evans, the night was a testament to the power of hope and community.
Two women, members of the Dream Center, bravely shared their stories of transformation, moving the audience to tears. Jill Taylor, from Master Medical Equipment, also spoke and shared her inspiring testimony about working with the Dream Center. Her words beautifully underscored the impact this organization has on the community.
Dinner, provided by Coyote Blues, added a delicious touch to the evening, and the auctions brought in tremendous support for the Dream Center’s mission. At the end of the night, Sara Evans performed an unforgettable set, followed by a meet-and-greet for the top-tier sponsors.
One of the most touching aspects of the evening was seeing the intentionality, love, and care woven into every moment. The Dream Center’s executive director, Mrs. Gail Gustafson, and her team pour their hearts into serving others, and the families they help are living proof of the center’s transformative work. The evening was a beautiful celebration of lives changed and dreams renewed.
Photographing this event was more than a professional opportunity—it was a deeply personal privilege. I’m so grateful to have been part of such an incredible night, and I look forward to seeing how the Dream Center continues to touch lives in Jackson and beyond.
For those that attended, please download any images from the gallery below for your personal use:
Thank you to all the vendors & sponsors who were a part of making this evening incredible!
*These photos weren’t possible without my second shooter, Kimberly Kimble-Butler.
