photos by:  CARRIE ALLEN

Family is everything — not only those you’re born with, but the friends, co-workers, and neighbors who make up the community you’ve built a life around. 

No matter where your family calls home, nothing is more authentic than a community coming together — especially when it’s to honor those everyday heroes who keep your family and friends safe from harm.

One of Forsyth Magazine’s most heartfelt missions is highlighting the power of connection, and this upcoming event to honor hometown heroes has truly touched our hearts. With incredible enthusiasm, we’re proud to bring together music, family, friends, and neighbors — all uniting to salute and support local firefighters and paramedics.

Join us, and our sister publication LKN Magazine, on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at The Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius, NC, for IGNITE THE NIGHT. This powerful evening — a cocktail-style fundraiser — is designed to uplift and recognize the Professional Firefighters & Paramedics of North Carolina.

We’ve been blessed with the very best partners to make this inspirational evening happen, including Christina Eagle, a Catawba County native and finalist from NBC’s The Voice (Season 26). You won’t want to miss Christina’s soulful performance of her new song and video, “Somebody’s Family,” which was released in mid-May as a heartfelt tribute to first responders and their families.

Christina’s own amazing talent is matched only by her passion for giving back — and sometimes, nothing tells a story quite like the perfect blend of lyrics and melody. With her background in worship music and her unwavering faith, this project resonated with her from the very beginning.

“Being part of this feels so special to me,” Christina shares. “I love this state, and I feel so blessed that God would give me this song to touch people’s lives. Knowing God is truly touching others through my voice is so inspiring to me. The more I’ve gotten to know God, the more I’ve realized how much He loves ME. And that makes me want to be fully and freely ME off the stage and ON the stage!”

Putting her incredible voice and generous heart to work reminds us all that at the end of the day, these first responders are our real-life heroes — the ones who run towards the flames and emergencies while the rest of us seek safety.

We’re honored to partner with Jeff Tracey, President of the Mecklenburg County Professional Fire Fighters Association (MCPFFA) Local 5326, and 1st District Vice President for the Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics of North Carolina. Jeff’s dedication to advocating for these brave men and women is nothing short of inspiring.

“My job as President of the MCPFFA is to work and advocate for better pay, better benefits, and safer working conditions for my members,” Jeff explains. “As 1st District Vice President, I oversee 15 locals on the western side of North Carolina, as well as work to pass state legislation to make the fire service safer and better not only for our members, but the industry as a whole. When I’m not in Raleigh working with House and Senate members, I also manage our fundraising program which includes hosting four concerts per year. For more information, visit us at pffpnc.org.”

Jeff also explains how fundraisers like our upcoming July concert at the Cain Center allow them to reinvest money back into the communities they serve — in tangible and meaningful ways.

“We have partnered with several local non-profits including FeedNC, the Neighborhood CARE Center and the Levine Children’s Hospital,” he shares. “We’re also able to take care of our firefighters statewide who are in need, assisting them financially when injured on the job and with unforeseen events. We can also provide resources to members and families in the unfortunate event they pass away in the line of duty, or from a job-related illness or disease.”

It’s a mission that’s only possible through community support — which is why events like IGNITE THE NIGHT matter so much. With recent challenges like Hurricane Helene and wildfires across North Carolina, our firefighters and paramedics need our appreciation and resources more than ever.

The entire Forsyth Magazines team echoes Christina’s heartfelt reminder that behind every uniform is a family, a spouse, a child, and a story.

“I wanted to remind people of what really matters — Love,” Christina says. “It’s somebody’s family that’s taking the risk for others every day. That’s somebody’s husband or wife. It’s somebody’s dad or mom. That’s somebody that someone loves!”

To hear those beautiful lyrics in person, join us on Thursday, July 24th, at the Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius, NC. Come be part of a night that will shine a spotlight on those who stand on the front lines every day to keep our families safe.

Grab your tickets HERE! Stay up-to-date with Christina’s upcoming appearances around the Lake Norman area — often performing with her brother Daniel as the acoustic duo Feathered Roots — by following her on Facebook and Instagram @christinaeagle.

A Night of Inspiration

Popular NASCAR sports reporter and 2024 Miss For America — Jacklyn Drake — will also join us at IGNITE THE NIGHT. A Texas native with a passion for racing, Jacklyn’s story is one of resilience and determination. From her roots as a competitive driver to her role as the first female booth announcer for the CARS Tour on FloRacing, Jacklyn has become a powerful advocate for strength and community. In 2024, she took on a new challenge: competing in her first pageant, earning the title of Miss North Carolina For America, and then capturing the national crown of Miss For America 2024 in Las Vegas. Jacklyn’s mission is to inspire others to be brave, share their stories, and embrace every opportunity to make a difference.

Follow Jacklyn’s mission at jacklyndrake.com and on Instagram @theonenonlyjkd.

Jacklyn Drake: “Being part of this event means so much — it’s a reminder that no matter where we come from, we’re all connected by the courage and dedication of our hometown heroes.”