The Game On Gala, An Evening for The Koinonia Foundation of Tennessee is a semi-formal event where Knoxville's community leader's join together for an evening of generosity to celebrate the lifetime experience of Camp Koinonia. As a network of professionals in Knox County and surrounding areas, we see an incredible opportunity to be a catalyst of change by supporting the University of Tennessee students and citizens with disabilities of our future.

The Koinonia Foundation of Tennessee serves individuals with disabilities by providing quality programs that improve overall well-being and foster independence while providing respite care for families. Having special needs requires extra support, adaptations, and accommodations for recreation participation. The Camp Koinonia fills this need by putting on a week long residential camp, two weekend camps, and local Knoxville programs for youth and adults with a variety of disabilities. Every kid needs a break from their parents and every parent needs a break from their child! Our extended programs allow for the independence necessary for each of our participants to grow and reach one's full potential.

Camp Koinonia is our week long residential program for 150 youth ages 7-21 with multiple disabilities. The two weekend camps are Camp Oginali for campers with Down syndrome and Koinonia Retreat for participants 21 and up who have aged out of Camp Koinonia. All three of our overnight camps provide meaningful, experiential learning opportunities for university students and participants, some with severe disabilities, in an outdoor learning environment that otherwise could not be accomplished. Our camps are unique in that each camper has his/her very own counselor. This 1:1 ratio is possible through our partnership with The Therapeutic Recreation Program at The University of Tennessee. Students receive course credit to learn about disabilities in preparation for their time as staff at camp.

The Koinonia Foundation of Tennessee understands that after the age of 21, recreational opportunities decrease dramatically. In an effort to fill the gap of the lack of social and recreational opportunities, we have created our 'We Adapt' expanded services program. Programs include dinner and a movie outings, art programs at the KMA, nature programs at Ijams, boccia at the YMCA, and game nights. We are working on expanding the length of these programs to provide respite care for families.

Koinonia means 'fellowship' and 'caring community in Greek. This is exactly what we strive to create by providing an enriching and inclusive experience that fosters emotional, social, and physical benefits to all our participants. We hope that you too will join our caring community that contributes to our students, families, and citizens with disabilities in Knoxville.

The Game On Gala will be held Thursday, September 14 at Cherokee Country Club. Guests will enjoy an evening of cocktails, live music from The Wes Bailey Trio of Moon Taxi, hors d'oeuvres, a seated dinner, a live auction announced by WBIR's Abby Ham and testimonies about the impact of our services from our participants.

Our goal is to raise $50,000 to support all three camps along with our expanded services. We are able to serve over 250 youth and adults with disabilities while giving over 250 students a hands-on learning opportunity. Game On - it is time to create more opportunities for recreation participation for our community members with disabilities.

We hope you are able to join us. Whether you're a corporate sponsor or individual guest, no donation is too small. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lauren Lee at laurenlee@kftn.org or call (865)-888-7365.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

There are no age requirements to buy a ticket. Beer, wine, and liquor will be sold at the event, however.

What are the parking options for the event?

Parking is available at The Country Club along with a valet service from the West Entrance.

How do you accept payment?

If you'd like to buy tickets, you may purchase through this ticketing service, which charges a fee, or you may mail a check made out to Camp Koinoina Foundaiton to 244 N. Peters Rd. Suite 211, Knoxville, TN 37923

What is the attire for the evening?

Attire is dressy business/cocktail.

Will there be entertainment?

The Wes Bailey Trio from Moon Taxi will be performing live music throughout the evening.

Who is the Master of Ceremonies?

We are excited to have WBIR's Abby Ham host our evening.

Who is the Keynote Speaker?

The University of Tennessee's Associate Atheltic Director, Carmen Tegano, will be speaking during the evening.

Can my company sponsor?

Yes, we have four different sponsor tiers available. Please contact Lauren Lee on how to become a sponsor.

PLATINUM - $10,000: 2 named scholarships; logo listed first and largest on the KFTN.org website; logo printed on all camp t-shirts for 2017-2018 year; recognition during gala; plaque award; logo on all electronic newsletters and social media; logo on gala slideshow; logo on all printed materials including invitation, program, and table; 20 seats (2 tables)

GOLD - $5,000: 1 named scholarship; logo listed on the KFTN.org website; recognition during gala; plaque award; logo on all electronic newsletters and social media; logo on gala slideshow; logo on all printed materials including invitation, program, and table; 10 seats (1 table)

SILVER - $2,500: logo listed on the KFTN.org website; recognition during gala; logo on gala slideshow; logo on all printed materials including invitation, program, and table; 10 seats (1 table)

BRONZE - $1,250: recognition during gala; name or logo on all printed materials including invitation, program, and table; 10 seats (1 table)

INDIVIDUAL - $75: one seat

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Lauren Lee // 865-888-7365 // laurenlee@kftn.org