Music City Inaugural Ball smashes all expectations; more than 700 fill ballroom; spirit of unity carries over from Obama in Washington to Nashville

The two biggest suprises of the night at the Music City USA Inaugural Presidential Charity Ball came early:

First, more than 700 people purchased $100 tickets in a depressed economy to be part of the spirit of unity and service that President Obama sent forth from Washington earlier in the day. Two extra seats had to be taken to each table.

Second, a Nashville rabbi amid all the Christian preachers and ministers was the one clergy member who really revved up the crowd in an appreciation of the diversity of people and languages and faiths in Nashville.

The message was clear: vote against the EnglishOnly referendum tomorrow.

The ball was an incredible success, not only financially in delivering support to 21 local charities, but in bringing together Midstate people across racial, political, religious and class lines. For the first time at such an event.

The Rev. Enoch Fuzz of Corinthian Baptist Church -- the prime mover and dreamer of the ball -- established himself as a primary leader in Nashville, of any color, class or political party.

Ricky and Sharon White-Skaggs showed themselves to be as passionate as people as Grammy-winning performers. They put all their spiritual and celebrity might behind the ball, with White-Skaggs serving as ball co-chair.

An impressive team of 44 community organizers assisted in the event, along with a legion of volunteers. And people emerged from the ball greatly encouraged and convinced that the gathering was only the first of many efforts to come from this new coalition of the willing. And committed to the president's call to service and unity.

The energy created from the event and the day will last for months and gopefully years.

I'll provide you more updates today about surprises and successes from the ball, which will not be forgotten as an important event in Nashville's history -- yet more for its future.