Jordan Thomas, a Chattanooga native, has been given an international award for his efforts to provide prosthetic limbs to children who can't afford to the expensive devices.IF YOU GO• What: Jordan Thomas Foundation's Low Country Boil• When: 6:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29• Where: Stratton Hall, 3146 Broad St.• Admission:$85 patrons, $125 patrons with reserved seating, $40 young patrons (under age 30), $1,000 reserved tables; reservations required• Phone: 423-622-9006• Website: www.jordanthomasfoundation.org
If you're ready to dismiss the Jordan Thomas Foundation's Low Country Boil because of the "limited" menu, you should know the menu's not limited to shellfish.
Yes, there'll be the traditional Low Country Boil ingredients of shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn on the cob, all simmered together into a hearty stew by Lee Towery Catering.
But if shellfish is not to your liking, a non-shellfish will be available as well, along with pork sliders, parmesan-crusted marinated chicken breast, fruit and cheeses. Roast beef tenderloin and a grilled marinated flank steak will be served at carving stations, complemented by mashed potatoes and mashed sweet potatoes. Drinks, including cocktails, wine and beer, will be provided. You can finish up with desserts and champagne.
The event will start at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at Stratton Hall. Besides the meal, attendees can enjoy a silent auction and live entertainment by Priscilla and Little Rickee. The venue will include indoor and outdoor seating, with access to patio fireplaces.
Proceeds go the Chattanooga-based foundation, which provides prosthetics for children of traumatic injury. Its namesake established the foundation at age 16 while he was recovering from the loss of both legs in a boating accident. Thomas realized that there were other children in the hospital who would not have the advantages that he did and would go home without the limbs they needed to have a full, active and happy life.
Providing such care comes at great cost, however -- $10,000 on average for a prosthetic leg, $15,000 for an arm. So Thomas' family, friends and countless volunteers have worked with him to fulfill the foundation's commitment to working with children through their growth years to age 18.
Part 2 of the seventh annual fundraiser, the Jordan Thomas Foundation Golf Classic, will follow on Monday, Sept. 30, at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club.