Former longtime Williamson County Commissioner and volunteer Judy Grigsby Hayes was named the recipient of the Anne T. Rutherford Exemplary Community Volunteer Award on Wednesday, July 26, as part of the 11th annual Franklin Tomorrow Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards and Volunteer Spirit Awards, at the Franklin Theatre.
Hayes was nominated for the award by Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson and his Chief of Staff Diane Giddens.
In 2007, Franklin Tomorrow established the Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards to honor the decades of service and tremendous impact of Anne T. Rutherford, with an award which recognizes the collective effort of an individual’s work, the impact on the agencies themselves, and the community at large.
While spotlighting her 28 years as a County Commissioner, the two wrote of Hayes, “For decades, she has made the conscientious decision to ‘serve first.’ Though her professional career of choice was that of an elementary schoolteacher, her desire to serve others extended far beyond the classroom.”
In the nomination, Hayes’ early involvement in the recycling and environmental efforts in the county was highlighted, as well as her promotion of heritage tourism and involvement in the revival of the Williamson County Fair after a 50-year hiatus.
Hayes also served as the first chair of Williamson Inc. after being involved in the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber for 30 years as a small business owner.
“As a member of the transition team, established to consolidate the chambers throughout the county, she assisted in the efforts to unify the collection of talent, resources and voices to form today’s Williamson Chamber Inc.,” Anderson and Giddens wrote.
“Whether leading or watching from the sidelines, you can always count on her to put others’ interest before her own. When you think of exemplary volunteers who have been involved in the betterment of our community, city and county, you will most likely see the handprint of Judy Hayes woven within the project somewhere,” they wrote. “Judy has selflessly devoted herself to exemplifying volunteer, servant leadership.”
Franklin Tomorrow President Tim Murphy presented the President’s Award to Franklin Tomorrow Board Member Mike Alexander for his work with the organization as well as his widespread community involvement with organizations like Brightstone, Franklin Breakfast Rotary, the Williamson County branch of the Better Business Bureau, and P38, a local organization that works primarily with the First Brigade of the 101st Airborne (AASLT) Division at Ft. Campbell, Ky.
Other awards were bestowed during the evening in various categories, as well as the Franklin Tomorrow Business Legacy Award, given to well-known local attorney and community philanthropist Julian Bibb.
In the Civic Group category, awards went to CrossPoint Church of Franklin, nominated by WAVES Inc.; and VITA tax preparation, nominated by United Way of Williamson County.
In the Corporate Team category, awards were given to APCOM Inc., nominated by Brightstone; and Carbine & Associates, for its work on the House for Hope Designer Show House.
In the Corporate Volunteer category, Brian Evans of Tractor Supply was the recipient, based on a nomination from United Way of Williamson County.
In the Volunteer Spirit category, award recipients were Susan Edenfield, Franklin Lions Club; Eunetta Kready, Williamson County CASA; Ann Logan, People for Animals; and Andy Marshall, Brightstone.
In the Youth Initiative category, award recipients were Destiny Moore, Boys & Girls Club of Williamson County; and Threads of Care, a youth initiative to collect clothing for teens in need.
Making the event possible as presenting partners were FirstBank, Jackson National Life, PARKS, and Williamson Medical Center. Acting as sustaining partners were Buerger Moseley Carson and Franklin Rotary at Breakfast. Patron supporters are Signs First, The TMA Group, and Franklin Lions Club.
Supporters include Taziki’s Mediterranean Café; Lipman Brothers, and the R.S. Lipman Company; 61st District State Rep. Charles Sargent; 63rd District State Rep. Glen Casada; 65th District State Rep. Sam Whitson; 23rd District State Sen. Jack Johnson; Ernie & Nell Bacon; Deana Hood, Attorney at Law; District Attorney General Kim Helper; The BBB Integrity Foundation; and Ryan Search & Consulting.
Franklin Tomorrow is a 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. Visit our Website at www.franklintomorrow.com.
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