Red Cross Volunteer Named BWC's 2014 Woman of the Year

Jennifer Wolcott has been named the 2014 Brentwood Woman’s Club Woman of the Year.
Jennifer Wolcott was nominated by several members from the non-profit community for her altruistic and generous contributions of time and talents, specifically on behalf of the American Red Cross Natchez Trace Chapter and the Oasis Center.

For five years, the Brentwood Woman’s Club has selected a Brentwood resident, non-member of the club, to honor as their Woman of the Year. Prior honorees have been Linda Lynch, City of Brentwood Community Relations Director; Joyce Keistler, director of the Martin Center; Susan Leathers, editor and co-owner of BrentWord Communications; Linda Jackson, executive director of BRIDGES; and Nancy Osman, community volunteer and Director of Ty2 Foundation.

Joyce Espy Searcy, Director of Community Relations at Belmont University and former CEO of Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, was among those nominating Wolcott for this year’s honor.

"I have watched Jennifer Wolcott from afar give of herself and of her resources to many organizations in Nashville area. I have seen many people volunteer for recognition or to have their names linked with a large organization, but Jennifer volunteers because she is interested in meeting the needs of others and helping to change their quality of life," Searcy said.

Another nominator who spoke highly of Wolcott's volunteer spirit and sees her hands on work in the community up close was John Mitchell, Executive Director of the Red Cross Natchez Trace Chapter.

Natchez Trace Chapter of the Red Cross Board of Directors

Mitchell stated, "Jennifer provides leadership to our chapter through personal giving and also challenges others to give as well. Jennifer has served as our annual breakfast chair for two years. In 2012, our breakfast speaker was Trace Adkins. Due to the success of our breakfast, Trace was elevated to the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet. Trace later raised over 1 million dollars for the American Red Cross on a national level." During the last two years, the Natchez Trace Chapter Red Cross Breakfast attendance has increased to nearly 400 and the giving has increased to over $100,000.

Trace Adkins 2012 Keynote

Coach Franklin 2013 Keynote

Wocott is not limited to fundraising with the Red Cross. She has participated in disaster preparedness drills for the area counties that the Natchez Trace Chapter serves. She recruited her sons', Perry and Parker, Boys Scout Troop and others in the community to participate in the drills. The Middle Tennessee area is becoming more and more aware that the preparedness of a community for a natural or man-made disaster decreases lost of life and property damage.

In addition to her work with the Red Cross, Wolcott is a proud supporter of the Brentwood High School Band where her sons are members, she is very active with the Boy Scouts Troop 86 (Perry is an Eagle Scout), and is a small group host at her church, Harpeth Hills Church of Christ.

Jennifer Wolcott will be honored as part of the Brentwood Woman’s Club’s annual fundraising luncheon, Step Up, It’s a Charity Affair, on May 6, 2014 at Brentwood Country Club. The Brentwood Woman’s Club is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of service to the community this year. 

WSMV's Emmy Award winning meteorologist, Lisa Spencer, will provide musical entertainment.  The  silent auction will begin at 10:30 AM and lunch will be served at 11:30 AM. The club will  recognize it's 40th Anniversary of service by presenting a special gift to Williamson County. This event is open to the public. Seating is limited. Bring a friend and enjoy a “Ladies Day Out”.

Tickets are $50 and can be obtained by contacting Jean Hairston by email, jean.hairston@yahoo.com before deadline date of May 1, 2014.

Brentwood Woman’s Club is a member of the international General Federation of Women’s Clubs that is dedicated to strengthening local communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. GFWC members work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resource, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.

2014 BWC's Woman of the Year Committee: Genma Holmes (Chair), Liz Martin (Club President), Paula Uhlir, Marilyn Tolk, and Helen Holzen



Photo Credits: Red Cross, Genma Holmes, Jennifer Wolcott , Lisa Spencer