NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Amid challenging times for nonprofits, two Middle Tennessee organizations are celebrating record-setting fundraising events to fuel their work in Tennessee.

UpRise Nashville, a job development program that trains the unemployed and underemployed for meaningful careers, netted $517,500 at their sold-out September event, “Evening of Songs and Stories.”

The money will enable the eight-year-old nonprofit based inside West End Community Church to fuel education, career opportunities and hope across Nashville.

“And, in true UpRise fashion, several of our current Leaders received job offers from new employer partners who were in the room that night,” said Director of Advancement Courtney Hyder.

The Loveless Barn in Bellevue hosted the sold-out event for a third year.

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The Sexual Assault Center (SAC) of Nashville also broke a fundraising record at its 33rd annual “Mad Hatter” at the Conrad Nashville hotel.

The nonprofit raised $483,000, which is enough to provide rape kits for 42 survivors and support a full year of therapy.

“It was the most successful one ever!” said SAC President Rachel Freeman. “Our initial goal was $375,000.”

The Sexual Assault Center offers evidence-based counseling, advocacy services and operates the on-site SAFE clinic – which provides forensic exams and support for victims of sexual assault.

WSMV4 was the media sponsor for “Songs and Stories;” anchors Tracy Kornet and Marius Payton served as emcees.

Kornet, a former SAC board member and volunteer, delivered the keynote speech for the SAC “Safe City Breakfast” in 2024.