Main Street Murfreesboro is thankful for special volunteers this November!
Sonya Stephenson has been volunteering with the Christmas tree lighting event since 1994.
Sonya Stephenson, Chief of Human Resources with Rutherford County Government, looks forward to Christmas for a special reason each year.
“I am thankful for the opportunity afforded me by Main Street Murfreesboro and the blessing to serve the community and represent Rutherford County,” Sonya shares when asked why she volunteers with the annual tree lighting event.
“It’s because of the ongoing support from the county, city, and the Main Street team and board members whom I love working with, I look forward to this event each year.”
Sonya followed in her mother's footsteps, Faye Elam, volunteering with Main Street Murfreesboro and serving on the Celebrate Christmas Downtown event.
“In 2008, then Mayor Ernest Burgess, asked me to represent the county on the Main Street Christmas Tree Lighting Committee,” Sonya said.
After attending the event in prior years with her mother, Faye Elam, who was a Main Street Board member from 1994-2007, she remembered the excitement and home town warmth the Christmas celebration downtown created for the participants and attendees.
“Each year the event has grown and now is a must see for those in the community and surrounding areas. There is so much excitement and fellowship that makes people want to come year after year,” said Sonya.
Sonya gets MTSU students involved in volunteering with the tree lighting event every year.
Sonya started out as the volunteer coordinator for the “Celebrate Christmas Downtown” event, but over the years her role evolved to an event security role.
“The safety and security of the performers, volunteers, and attendees is as important to Main Street and the county as the event itself. I would be remiss if I did not give a huge thank you to the MTSU SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) group who have helped me every year; they are a great group of young people who joyfully assist each tree lighting celebration. Also, the Rutherford County Mayor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Ambulance Service, Emergency Management, Office of Information Technology, Facilities Maintenance departments, and the City of Murfreesboro Police Department help us ensure the safety and security of the event.”
Main Street Murfreesboro has a volunteer committee made up of approximately 10 individuals from the community that focuses on the tree lighting event. This committee starts planning in the Spring and works to get county and city schools involved, the Center for the Arts, and local dance groups to showcase their talent during the holidays during a stage performance.
The event has grown to involve over 20 business sponsors who not only donate funds to cover the cost for this free downtown event but also volunteer their employees to attend the event and set up free activities for children to enjoy before and after the stage performances.
Sarah Callender, Executive Director of Main Street Murfreesboro, shared this about Sonya, “She goes above and beyond just volunteering for this event. Sonya thinks through all the possibilities, connects people who can help, takes care of details, and stays through the end to make sure everything is completed successfully and safely. Sonya wants every person, young or old, who attends this annual tree lighting event in our historic downtown to feel safe and have a magical experience making memories during the holiday season.”
Main Street Murfreesboro is thankful for volunteers like Sonya Stephenson who serve on the Board of Directors, volunteer at downtown events, and give back to the community to make our historic downtown a special place for everyone to enjoy.
There are many other board members and community volunteers who work to make this event so special. Main Street is thankful for everyone who gives of their time, energy, and funding to help produce successful free downtown events for the community to enjoy.
If you want to volunteer with Main Street Murfreesboro contact Sarah Callender through our website form "Get Involved."
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Main Street Murfreesboro
225 West College Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 895-1887
www.mainstreetmurfreesboro.org