Story by Lindsay Hughes with submitted photography

The Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) successfully hosted its 17th Annual Carry the Torch Luncheon at the Knoxville Convention Center, bringing together community members in support of efforts to prevent and end homelessness in Knoxville and Knox County. The 2025 luncheon featured keynote speaker Chamique Holdsclaw, an Olympic gold medalist, WNBA Hall of Famer and former Lady Volunteer, who shared a powerful message of hope and resilience based on her personal mental health journey. In addition to the keynote address, attendees enjoyed a mission fair, lunch and book signing. 

Proceeds from the event directly support VMC’s life-changing programs, which use a Housing First approach to pair unhoused neighbors with case managers and long-term support. VMC currently operates two permanent supportive housing developments that provide 105 apartments and has helped more than 1,400 individuals transition from the streets into stable housing. Funds raised through Carry the Torch further advanced this mission, reinforcing the community’s commitment to addressing homelessness.