Kick off Discovery Park of America’s 10th birthday year at The 2023 Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards Gala and Fundraiser. This event will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, philanthropists and others to celebrate the winners, all of whom have deep roots in West Tennessee.

The 2023 Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Award winners are:

• Her Excellency Amy L. Bondurant, former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development
• Dr. Keith Carver, chancellor for the University of Tennessee at Martin
• James Ross, president & CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare
• The Honorable John S. Tanner, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives

The gala and fundraiser will be held on Sat., March 4, 2023, with cocktails beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the awards dinner at 7:00 p.m. The award ceremony will be emceed by Keli McAlister, popular event host and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation public information officer. Keli previously spent two-decades as a television news journalist working in Jackson, Oklahoma City, and Seattle, Washington.

The event will feature entertainment from a variety of musicians from the region and a served dinner prepared by award-winning chefs David Jones and Karla Lawrence of Artisan Kitchen of Paducah. In addition to complimentary champagne upon arrival, a cash bar will be available.

A silent and live auction along with opportunities to contribute to the Kirkland Scholarship Fund will take place during the evening. Thanks to the Kirkland Scholarship, students from all K-12 schools with 50% of the students qualifying for free or reduced lunches qualify for scholarships that pay for 100% of the ticket price to visit Discovery Park.

Unable to attend, but would like to support Discovery Park’s mission? Donations may be made here.