2024 Governor's Volunteer Stars Awards Nonprofit Honorees
Chattanooga Area Food Bank
East Division - Nonprofit
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank (CAFB) unites the community to eliminate hunger by feeding, nourishing, and empowering those in need. Volunteers are crucial to CAFB's mission, serving at three facilities and 240+ hunger relief partners across 20 counties in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. At the Chattanooga warehouse, volunteers sort and repackage donations, assemble Sack Packs, deliver food, and tend to the garden. Volunteers also assist guests at the Foxwood Food Center by greeting them, helping with shopping, and stocking shelves. In 2024, volunteers logged 34,650 hours, providing about 90 meals per hour. CAFB offers Family Nights, corporate partnerships, and other opportunities for community engagement. Post-pandemic, CAFB adapted its volunteer programs to ensure food safety. By fostering relationships with volunteers, CAFB leverages their unique talents to address hunger and empower communities.
Cumberland River Compact
Middle Division - Nonprofit
The Cumberland River Compact enhances the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River and its tributaries through action, education, and collaboration. The Compact leads volunteer cleanups, tree plantings, and garden installations across the Cumberland River basin's 18,000 square miles. Volunteer efforts are focused in cities like Nashville and Franklin, but also extend to counties such as Cheatham and Putnam. Events welcome individual participants and large groups from organizations like Nissan and BMI. Initiatives are accessible to all ages and abilities, directly impacting water pollution affecting over 3 million people's drinking water. Educational components at each event foster deeper commitment to environmental stewardship. Kayak cleanups provide access to hard-to-reach aquatic areas and use eco-friendly methods. In 2024, the kayak fleet, upgraded in summer, helped volunteers remove over 20,000 pounds of trash.
Ridgely Senior Center
West Division - Nonprofit
Ridgely Senior Center provides a place for the aging community to engage in educational, fitness, nutritional, and social activities. The non-profit partners with local nursing homes, adopting residents and providing baby dolls at Christmas. It serves as an American Red Cross-approved Emergency Feed Kitchen during disasters, with Director Connie Hopper as a first responder. The center offers services in Lake, Obion, and Dyer counties, including transportation to local events. In Lake County, ranked #1 in poverty, the center provides meals, activities, and commodities through Mid-South Food Bank, helping to combat isolation and depression. This center is a lifeline for many, offering health education, nutritious meals, and socialization.
Special Thanks to Gold Sponsor
