Jon Dorenbos, former long snapper for the Philadelphia Eagles and performing magician, is the keynote speaker for the 11th annual Saint Thomas Rutherford Society Gala on January 20, 2018. The Gala, held annually to recognize donors to the Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation, begins at 6 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. Saint Thomas Health is part of Ascension, the nation's largest Catholic and non-profit health system.

This year marked 15 years in the NFL for Dorenbos, who was recently nominated by the Philadelphia Eagles for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for philanthropy. Dorenbos's NFL career ended earlier this year due to a life-threatening heart condition. As an entertainer for over twenty years, Dorenbos was known was the NFL's "Magic Man" and is respectfully referred to as the "Entertainer's Entertainer." He has won two EMMY awards for his television show hosted with the Eagles, and his inspirational life story of triumph over adversity has been retold on national television in features by HBO, FOX Sports, ESPN, E! True Hollywood Story, ABC, and CBS.

In addition to Dorenbos's keynote, the 11th annual Rutherford Society Gala will recognize key community leaders who have been particularly generous with their time, talent and treasure to Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital over the years.

The Dr. Liz Rhea Philanthropist Award will be presented to Gloria and Ted LaRoche in recognition of their many contributions to the Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation, including their support of the "A Time to Build Up" capital campaign in 2011.

The Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation Physician Champion Award will be presented to Dr. Mary Jane Brown in recognition of her many gifts of time and talent to the Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation, including the founding donation and continued work with the Emergency Physician Residency Wellness Fund.

"We are so thankful to Gloria and Ted LaRoche and Dr. Mary Jane Brown for their continued contributions to Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital," said Gordon Ferguson, CEO of Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. "These individuals and others who give of their time and talents help us live out the Saint Thomas Health mission each day, to serve our communities with particular attention to those most vulnerable."

To join The Rutherford Society and receive tickets to the event, please contact Amy Jackson at amy.jackson@ascension.org or call 615-396-4996.