Event Raises Nearly $40,000 to Support Scholarships and Caregiver Education Across the Southeast
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (August 1, 2025) — A sold-out audience of more than 500 people filled the auditorium last night for the 6th Annual Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent, and the performances left the crowd moved, inspired, and on their feet. Jeffrey Wells, 72, of Harrison, TN, captured 1st place with a show-stopping opera performance. Tina Fielder Gibson, 68, earned 2nd place with a deeply felt performance, and Kim Binkley, 63, secured 3rd place with a stunning piano solo.
Jeffrey Wells, 72, 1st place.
Event Raises Nearly $40,000 to Support Scholarships and Caregiver Education
This year’s show proved more than just entertaining—it was deeply impactful. Proceeds from the evening totaled nearly $40,000, all benefiting the Morning Pointe Foundation, which funds nursing scholarships and caregiver education to advance senior care throughout the Southeast.
Wells, a renowned opera singer who spent 25 seasons performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, brought the house to its feet with his rendition of “They Call the Wind Marīa” from Paint Your Wagon. His powerhouse vocals earned him not only the top spot from the judges but also the People’s Choice Award, having raised over $2,000 to support the Morning Pointe Foundation.
Greg Vital, Jeffrey Wells, Franklin Farrow, and Miranda Perez.
“I got the People’s Choice award, and I pretty much just assumed that was going to be it,” Wells said. “When they called first place, I couldn’t believe it—it was pretty shocking because I really didn’t think you could win both.”
Wells, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight and a half years ago, had once believed he’d never sing again. “About five years ago, I swore I would never sing again—but God had something else in store for me,” he shared. Now a proud member of the Trembling Troubadours Choir, Wells continues to uplift others with his story and his voice.
Finalists Delivered Unforgettable Moments
Greg Vital, Tina Fielder Gibson, Franklin Farrow, and Miranda Perez.
Tina Fielder Gibson, 68, singer, earned 2nd place with a moving and energetic rendition of “Get Here” by Oleta Adams. With radiant charisma and a dazzling voice, she engaged and uplifted the audience from the very first note. Her presence on stage brought out the heart behind every lyric. “I kept seeing this come up on Facebook,” Gibson shared. “I thought—there must be a reason. I’ll be 69 in October, and this is the last of my 60s. I said, why not?” Her heartfelt performance left a lasting impression on both judges and guests.
Greg Vital, Kim Binkley, Franklin Farrow, and Miranda Perez.
Kim Binkley, 64, took 3rd place with a masterful and moving performance of My Tribute by Andraé Crouch, arranged by Dino. Demonstrating extraordinary talent on the piano, Binkley transmitted the sublime message of the song not only through her fingers but through every chord and note she played. “It has been decades since I’ve been in a talent show,” she said. “I enjoyed every minute of it, and everyone was so kind. I just think it’s amazing what the Morning Pointe Foundation does.”
A Night of Talent with a Deeper Purpose
With performers ranging in age from 60 to 79, Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent once again proved that talent has no expiration date. Each year, the show continues to grow—not just in audience size, but in heart, skill, and impact.
The Harrision Grass Band, Age 72-79
“It’s amazing to see how Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent continues to grow—not just in talent, but in heart,” said Miranda Perez, Executive Director of the Morning Pointe Foundation. “Every year, the show becomes more meaningful, and this time we raised nearly $40,000. That means more scholarships, more support for caregivers, and more lives touched across the Southeast. It’s truly something special to be part of.”
All proceeds from the event go to benefit the Morning Pointe Foundation, which funds scholarships and caregiver education to enhance the quality of senior care across the Southeast.
“This isn’t just a talent show—it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and the belief that every chapter can be a stage,” said Greg A. Vital, co-founder of Morning Pointe Senior Living. “It’s a powerful reminder that purpose and potential don’t fade with age. We are honored to support caregivers and healthcare professionals who are helping our seniors live with dignity and meaning.”
Sherry Hammet, Singer, 66
About Morning Pointe
Founded in 1997 by Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates 42 assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states. In Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Hamilton, Hixson, and Walker County, Georgia. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
