The Tennessee Kidney Foundation (TNF) hosted its annual Kidney Kaper Gala on April 21 to celebrate kidney donors and recipients. This year’s gala included a silent auction, dancing and entertainment and honored the nine transplant centers across the state.
Belmont University’s Songwriting Association (BUSA) paired with transplant donors and recipients to hear their stories and write songs of inspiration, hope and courage. Headed up by students Chuck Callaghan and Bailey White, the nine-person team wrote and performed its songs at the gala.
BUSA student and leader of the group Bailey White enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the individuals who have been impacted by organ donation and more importantly, to learn what she could do to help. “They taught me what an impact we can all have on someone’s life by doing something as simple as marking that organ donor box… they taught me perseverance and joy and to not take life for granted, to take in the small moments because they far outweigh the big ones,” she said.
The honorees of the gala felt the same way about the time the Belmont students spent taking their stories and writing songs that tell of the battles they’ve won and how important such a simple task is.
TNF’s Director of Development and Marketing and ’07 Belmont graduate Josie Hackworth said the relationship between the songwriters and honorees meant a lot to both groups. “The ability to share the story of giving life to another person is the most selfless act. The patients enjoyed talking to someone who was able to take all their feelings… and create a song that they will have forever. Anyone can give a plaque, but a song touches your heart,” she said.
