Finalists in five additional categories of the ninth annual Franklin Tomorrow Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards and Volunteer Spirit Awards, set for July 22, have been announced today.
The awards will be presented at the Franklin Theatre as part of the event, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, provided by Lipman Brothers.
The awards presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the Franklin Theatre at www.franklintheatre.com. Making the event possible as partners are Patterson Intellectual Property Law, Middle Tennessee Electric, and PARKS Realty.
Awards also to be presented will recognize Civic Groups, Corporate Volunteer Teams, as well as Individual Corporate volunteers. Also being presented will be the Volunteer Spirit, Youth Initiative, and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Nominees in the Volunteer Spirit category include Bob Rudman, Children’s Kindness Network; Brad Duke, BRIDGES Domestic Violence Center; Cheryl Brehm, Mercy Ministries/End Slavery TN; Janine Moore, Davis House Child Advocacy Center; Jerry & Frances Bozeman, My Friend’s House Family & Children’s Services; Judy Moser, Graceworks; Julie Sims Westall, Arts Council of Williamson County; Kevin Gabhart, BrightStone; Lynn Beyer, American Cancer Society Memorial Hope Lodge; Mandy Oakes, Get Fit Franklin/Healthier Communities; Mary Sue Owen, Our Thrift Store & Congregation Micah; Michael Jones, First United Methodist Giving Garden; Mike Ensch, Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church; Raymond Beck, Hiram Masonic Lodge; Sam Whitson, Franklin Battlefield Commission; Susan Minor, Franklin Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association; and Tony Wall, Franklin Family YMCA.
In the Corporate Team category, finalists include Jackson National Life’s Information Technology Department for its work in technology education; MARS Petcare’s Nutro Company for its work with Mid-Cumberland Meals on Wheels; Pinnacle Financial Partners for support of numerous organizations; and Stites & Harbison law firm for its role in the creation of dozens of nonprofits in Franklin, Williamson County and Middle Tennessee.
In the Corporate Individual Volunteer category, finalists are Vamsi Polarpu from Jackson National Life’s Information Technology Department, and Stacey S. Watson of Stites & Harbison for her work with dozens of area nonprofits, including Franklin’s Charge, Friends of Franklin Parks and other organizations.
In the Civic Group Award category, finalists are Brentwood Photography Group, nominated by BrightStone; Christ United Methodist Church Youth, nominated for its work with Harvest Hands; and Franklin’s Charge, for its work in battlefield reclamation.
In the Youth Initiative category, finalists are Miller Garrett, Franklin’s Charge; Barrett Patton, High Hopes; and Gracie Pfaff, Harvest 107.
The Ned Lea Lifetime Achievement Award is presented posthumously to recognize individuals who have had a significant impact for one organization or on their community through their life. They exemplify a heart of service and a dedication to the community at large. This year, Franklin Tomorrow will honor the late Tom Murdic and the late Clint Callicott.
The top award of the evening is the Anne T. Rutherford Exemplary Community Volunteer Award, chosen from all the nominations submitted by more than 30 local nonprofit organizations or charities.
For the second year, Franklin Tomorrow will present the Legacy Award, a continuation of the Business Legends Award previously presented by the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce. This award will recognize an individual or individuals who have made significant impact in the areas of business, quality of life, and leadership. Finalists’ names are not made public prior to the event.
Serving as chairmen for the event are local Realtors, J. Edward & Brenda Tuck Campbell of Synergy Realty Network, LLC.
Additional sponsors include Buerger Moseley Carson, First State Bank, Pam Lewis, Benchmark Realty, and Vanderbilt University Office of Community, Neighborhood, and Government Relations. Serving as supporters are Ernie & Nell Bacon, The Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and The Integrity Foundation, State Sen. Jack Johnson, Lipman Brothers, Williamson Herald, State Rep. Charles Sargent, The TMA Group, Cordia Harrington, and State Rep. Glen Casada.
Franklin Tomorrow is the community visioning nonprofit which seeks to engage the community, foster collaboration, and advocate for a shared vision for the future of Franklin. That shared vision includes a vibrant economy, distinct character, robust neighborhoods, and great people.
