Bacon, Bourbon & Blackberry Farm: Sertoma Hosts Signature Night Celebrating Flavor, Community, and Impact

A fresh take on our beloved Friendship Night—celebrating community, connection, and the individuals we serve

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Sertoma will host its annual Friendship Night, reimagined this year as Bacon & Bourbon Night—an evening of fellowship, flavor, and purpose at RiverView Family Farm. This special event brings together friends, supporters, and community leaders to celebrate connection while supporting Sertoma’s mission to improve the quality of life for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education, support, and community service.

The evening will be emceed by beloved community leader and Sertoma board member Beth Haynes. Guests will also hear from featured speakers Darrell Benton and Allan Benton, whose family story and dedication to craft have made their products nationally celebrated and deeply rooted in East Tennessee heritage.

This year’s event is distinguished by an extraordinary culinary collaboration featuring acclaimed chefs from Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain—widely recognized as leaders in Southern hospitality and farm-to-table excellence. These chefs will anchor the evening’s experience, creating original, chef-driven tasting stations that highlight  both innovation and tradition.

At the heart of each dish is Allan Benton’s world-renowned bacon from Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams, serving as the unifying ingredient across the menu. Guests will enjoy thoughtfully curated tastings from chefs including Joey Edwards, Joel Werner, Sean Miller, and Kendall McCullough, each bringing their own signature style to this one-of-a-kind culinary showcase.

Complementing the food, the team at Company Distilling will curate a selection of bourbon-forward and bacon-inspired cocktails crafted specifically for the event. These libations will include classic bourbon favorites, modern creations, and unique bacon-infused spirits designed to pair seamlessly with the evening’s culinary offerings.

Set against the backdrop of a refined yet rustic East Tennessee setting, Bacon & Bourbon Night celebrates regional pride while supporting Sertoma’s mission—bringing together the very best of culinary craftsmanship, community, and philanthropy in the spirit of friendship that defines this annual event.

Click here for tickets & sponsorships https://bit.ly/sertomabaconbourbon