There’s nothing quite like a Republican Christmas party in East Tennessee—good food, great company, and a whole lot of generosity. Last night, December 9, 2025, the Three Rivers Republican Club held its annual Christmas Dinner and Party, and it was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
The evening was packed with holiday cheer and, more importantly, giving back. Attendees brought piles of new, unwrapped toys that will go directly to Mission of Hope and Isaiah 117 House—two incredible organizations that make Christmas brighter for children who might otherwise go without. It’s always heartwarming to see a room full of conservatives who talk a big game about charity actually show up with trunks full of toys. Well done, everyone.
The meal was classic Southern comfort at its finest: sliced ham, green beans, macaroni and cheese, hash-brown casserole, fresh broccoli salad, rolls, tea or water, and your choice of dessert—apple pie or pecan pie. If you left hungry, that was entirely on you.
Of course, no Three Rivers Christmas party would be complete without the legendary cake (and goodies) auction, and this year did not disappoint. Our auctioneer for the night was former Knox County GOP Chair and 2026 Seventh District Commission candidate Buddy Burkhardt, who kept the bidding fast, funny, and fierce.
I still can’t believe my luck—I walked away with Judge Emily Abbott’s gorgeous cookie tray from Ham ‘N Goody’s for only $40. I’m convinced half the room was in a sugar coma and missed it, because that tray was worth at least triple. (Thanks for the early Christmas gift, Your Honor!)
The show-stopper of the night was the Wright family’s legendary Apple Stack Cake, which hammered down at a whopping $155. Travis Wright’s family recipe cake is basically East Tennessee royalty at this point—if you’ve never had one, put it on your bucket list.
We had an incredible turnout of elected officials, soon-to-be-elected, and forever-involved Republicans:
• Knox County School Board Chair Kristi Kristy
• School Board Vice Chair Travis Wright
• Knox County Commission Vice Chair and 2026 Mayoral candidate Kim Frazier
• Commissioners Adam Thompson and Larsen Jay (also running for Mayor in 2026)
• Knox County Criminal Court Judge Emily Abbott
• General Sessions Judges Judd Davis and recently appointed Amanda Kline
• Kathy Wright representing Senator Becky Duncan Massey
• 2026 Knox County Sheriff candidate Mike Davis
• Former County GOP Chair Buddy Burkhardt
• And yours truly, your TN GOP State Executive Committeeman for District 6
It was one of those nights that reminds you why we do this—good policy starts with good people, and last night the room was full of them.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Three Rivers Republican Club. Can’t wait to do it all again next year (and maybe I’m already have my eye on that apple stack cake).
The red velvet cake I donated, made by Karen’s Kreations on Strawberry Plains Pike brought $65
