As VMC's premier fundraising community event, Carry the Torch has a 17 year history of bringing secular and faith-based businesses, organizations, and houses of worship together over a shared commitment of helping the most vulnerable citizens in Knoxville. You are invited to join us for the 18th iteration of this important opportunity to make a difference and an impact on our mission to PREVENT and END homelessness in our community. 
 
We are excited to announce that our 2026 featured speaker is renowned author, journalist, and New York Times Best Seller, Jeannette Walls. As a former journalist for New York Magazine and MSNBC, she is most recognized for her memoir, “The Glass Castle.” As Keynote for our premier event, Jeannette will share her story of an unconventional childhood, which included a nomadic family life marked by poverty and homelessness, as she emphasizes the importance of truth-telling and empathy. (Read more above)

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Please take a moment to consider the available sponsorship opportunities below for this highly anticipated community event. Sponsors have an exclusive opportunity to meet Jeannette at a special VIP reception! You don’t want to miss out! If the listed options do not suit your needs, we would be delighted to work with you to customize your sponsorship experience. 

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Carry the Torch guests will also enjoy a Mission Fair, Speaker/Author Book Signing, and lunch with 600-700 other attendees gathering to raise critical funds for preventing and ending homelessness in Knoxville.

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Your participation in this event will support VMC's life-changing programs. Every ticket sold, every sponsorship committed, every volunteer enrolled makes this event a success. Thank YOU for your consideration!