Darrell Waltrip Automotive has continued to make headway with the Hometown Heroes campaign, awarding their 10th hero this January, with the award going to Dr. Monty McInturff of Tennessee Equine Hospital and president of the Board of Governors of Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC.
The award was presented Friday, Jan. 27, in a ceremony with Darrell Waltrip.
Darrell Waltrip (center left) congratulates Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC, President Dr. Monty McInturff (second from right) on being Darrell Waltrip Automotive Hometown Hero for January. On hand for the presentation Jan. 28 were (from left) Nancy Conway, president/CEO, Williamson County Franklin Chamber of Commerce; William Billington, Franklin Synergy Bank; Kathie Moore, president of Franklin Tomorrow, Inc.; Mindy Tate, executive director, Franklin Tomorrow & Friends of Franklin Parks; and Mike Binkley, a local attorney and friend of McInturff’s.
McInturff is being awarded for his leadership role in the conservation of his community and for his selflessness while serving.
In April 2011, Franklin Tomorrow founded Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC, in which Dr. McInturff serves as the founding President of the Board of Governors. Friends of Franklin Parks was created for private donors to make tax-deductible contributions to fund improvements of area recreational facilities and preserve the cultural and natural resources for future generations. McInturff has been a practicing equine veterinarian in our community for over 20-plus years and is also the co-owner of Tennessee Equine Hospital. His passion is to promote and preserve our area parks by focusing on our history and our community.
“Our goal this year is to focus our energy on Harlinsdale Farm and turn the barn into a local horse museum to showcase Franklin’s rich equine history. Most people don’t know that Franklin was one of the largest homes to Thoroughbreds and other breeds prior to the Civil War. Our parks are a showcase for our history,” said McInturff of Friends of Franklin’s Parks.
“When Friends of Franklin Parks, LLC, was created by Franklin Tomorrow, Dr. Monty McInturff was the unanimous choice to lead this new non-profit because his passion for our community and its rich legacy in the equine industry runs deep,” said Executive Director of Franklin Tomorrow, Mindy Tate, who nominated McInturff for the award. “Since becoming president of the Board of Governors of Friends of Franklin Parks, Monty’s dedication to all aspects of the city’s park system has broadened and his enthusiasm and passion are contagious.”
Tate included in her nomination that McInturff is actively involved in Williamson County Franklin Chamber of Commerce amidst many other community organizations and always puts others before himself. For his selflessness to serve and for his determination to make a positive change in his community, McInturff surely deserves the Hometown Hero award.
“We could have the best parks in the country. If we all do a little for our parks it won’t be a big deal. Everyone can make a difference,” said McInturff of his vision.
Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes is a monthly event honoring Middle Tennessee residents who have made a positive impact on their community. Nominate your hero at www.darrellwaltrip.com.