Dr. Sandra Dee and Eduardo Morales | 2024 May and Dr. A. Barnett Scott Service Award Recipients

Dr. Sandra Dee and Eduardo Morales serve as co-chairs for the annual Jackson International Food and Art Festival (JIFAF). Together, they have volunteered countless hours over the last 10 years to recruit like-minded community members to participate in the event, to organize festival vendors, activities, and performances, and to cultivate sponsors and business partnerships.

JIFAF’s mission is to spread cultural awareness, promote cross-cultural engagement, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of residents throughout West Tennessee.  Food and art are important themes present in all cultures and countries, and the festival serves as a place for all cultures to share their cuisine, art, and traditional performances in Jackson.

Under the leadership of Sandra and Eduardo, the festival has seen steady growth each year in cultural participation, community engagement, a beautiful and engaging parade, and a variety of inspiring performances. The JIFAF was the recipient of the Heart and Soul of the Arts Award presented by the Jackson Arts Council in 2020 and was voted as VIP Jackson’s Best Event in 2023.

Sandra is a Cardiologist at the Jackson Clinic and has been in Jackson for 18 years. With her busy practice, Sandra finds time to engage in civic oriented activities and give back to the community. She is Past President of the West Tennessee Filipino American Association in Jackson, and she was a member of the Citizens’ Commission on Unity, organized in 2013 by former City of Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist.  Sandra is originally from the Philippines and moved to the United States in 1993. She is married to her husband, Jimmy Crosnoe, and they are actively involved in the Jackson community.

Eduardo Morales moved to Jackson in 2005 and got involved in the community through the Citizens’ Commission on Unity. Eduardo received a call to participate in the group and become a representative for the Hispanic Community. His involvement with this commission sparked the idea for the festival. Eduardo was born in Mexico and moved to the United States in 1982, where he earned his GED and attended college. He is the father of 4 children and enjoys traveling back to Mexico when he can.

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About the May and Dr. Barnett Scott Service Award

The 2011 Charity Gala was dedicated to long-time board member and past chairman of the board Dr. A. Barnett Scott. His involvement as volunteer, donor, visionary, and chairman helped move the Community Foundation of West Tennessee to many records, including reaching $15 million in assets during his term as board chair from 2005 – 2007. In 2008, he was honored with a Jackson Award for Community Service.

The Dr. A. Barnett Scott Service Award was established to honor Dr. Scott after his death in August 2011. Following his death, his wife, May Scott, was a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the Community Foundation and its work. She and her family attended The Charity Gala each year to help present the award and honor Dr. Scott's legacy. May passed away in April 2024, and the award name was changed to reflect both May and Dr. Scott's contributions to our community and our organization.

The Community Foundation staff and Board of Trustees wanted to honor their legacy by annually recognizing someone who selflessly served the Community Foundation and its programs. Each year, the staff selects a volunteer to be honored with this award at The Charity Gala.