Join us on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 4 pm – 6 pm,

at The Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm

Please RSVP by clicking the GREEN button at top right of page.

Support our Silent Auction Here: www.32auctions.com/duncan2022

Auction will close on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 @ 8:00AM

20th Annual Duncan Awards Honor Senior Advocates

The Duncan Award for Senior Advocacy, named in memory of John J. Duncan, Sr., pays tribute to people in our community who uphold the same kind of steadfast support and advocacy of seniors and programs that serve older adults as were exhibited by the late congressman. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this signature event that also serves as a fundraiser for Senior Information & Referral (SIR). SIR aims to be the primary source for quality, dependable information and referral services for Knox County seniors and their caregivers.

All too often, seniors and their caregivers become confused and/or discouraged by the complexities of the social service system and give up before they ever find out about services that could assist them. Senior Information & Referral strives to empower seniors by providing information that leads to better service delivery, and by advocating with service providers on behalf of those seniors that need additional help. These same qualities are exhibited in our Duncan Award Recipients as they tirelessly advocate for the needs of seniors in our community. Help us honor and celebrate these two amazing women for all the work they have done, and continue to do in service to our seniors.

For more information, call Senior Information & Referral at 865-546-6262.

Meet our Honorees:

Gabrielle Blake, LCSW - Professional Recipient

Gabrielle Blake is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Franklin & Kyle Elder Law where she has worked since 2010. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner by the National Council for Certified Dementia Practitioners. Gabe is active in our Knox County community, regularly presenting at workshops and educational events that serve seniors. Gabe is the chair of the advisory board of the Senior Companion Program. She serves on the board of directors of Random Acts of Flowers, is President of the Tennessee Society of Health Care Social Workers and a member of the Purple Cities Alliance. Gabe also volunteers with Girl Scouts, Alzheimer’s Tennessee, the Daily Living Center, and Beacon of Hope. For over 20 years, she has devoted herself to serving vulnerable elders in our community. She’s also devoted herself to serving the professionals and the many agencies supporting older adults.

Cynthia Finch, LMSW - Community Recipient

Cynthia Finch launched the non-profit, New Direction Health Care Solutions in 2017, which focuses on innovative approaches of dealing with health care disparities for people of color and consulting work for new start-up businesses. Her volunteer work includes serving on the Boards of the East Knoxville Free Medical Clinic, Knoxville Branch of the NAACP, Building Bridges Readmission Coalition, TN Society of Health Care Social Workers, Knoxville Case Management Society, Tennessee Association of Home Care – Hospice Task Force and more. Ms. Finch’s most recent work during the pandemic has been getting the community tested and hosting numerous vaccine clinics. Her work has been instrumental in getting over 80,000+ people tested, vaccinated and educated. Ms. Finch initiated a weekly faith leader update meeting to help faith leaders make informed decisions on keeping their congregation safe during the Pandemic. The group has grown to over 180 people across the state.

Thank you to our Event Sponsors:

John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy 2022

20th Annual Awards for Senior Advocacy