By: Bret Sutton

Nashville, Tennessee gave the Pujols Family Foundation (PFF) a very warm welcome at its first ever event, The Pujols Picture Show, co-hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT). The outdoor movie night took place Friday, June 8 in Centennial Park, located in the heart of Nashville. The Pujols Family Foundation and DSAMT invited individuals with Down syndrome and their families and friends to come together for this special event to kick off PFF’s new presence in Nashville. There was a great turnout of over 100 people.

The night boasted clear, perfect weather and as dusk approached, families arrived at the park to lie out their blankets and lawn chairs in preparation for the main event. Volunteers and staff stood at eye-catching registration tables and signed folks up for door prizes that were given away towards the end of the evening. Many families brought their own picnics, and everyone enjoyed the complimentary snow cones, cotton candy, and popcorn brought in by Tennessee Bounce Parties. Children danced to the upbeat music playing in the background, and some even showed off their dance skills on stage to the crowd.

When the sun began to set, PFF Regional Manager of Programming and Development for Nashville, Erin Brooks, took the stage to introduce the organization. DSAMT’s new Executive Director, Brad Goodin, then welcomed everyone to the event, and it was time for the film. Families enjoyed the The Rookie, a fun baseball movie whose story of inspiration matches the PFF’s own drive to inspire and succeed in the Nashville area.

Big thanks to all of the volunteers, vendors from Tennessee Bounce Party, and AV team from Atema Partners for making this night possible.