TFBF Foundation Hosts Inaugural Harvesting Hope Gala

Established in August of last year, the Tennessee Farm Bureau Foundation hosted the inaugural Harvesting Hope Gala to raise money to support Tennessee communities and strengthen agriculture across the state. More than 400 farmers, agricultural industry partners and other stakeholders attended the event, which brought in more than $203,000.

"I wasn't really sure what to expect in terms of a goal amount of funds for us to raise," said Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry. "But I'll tell you this - I was blown away by the support and the grand total that will all go to helping important matters across our rural communities."

The co-hosts for the evening - Bryan Wright, TFBF executive vice president, Dr. Keith Carver, senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and Ryan King, deputy commissioner of agriculture - entertained guests throughout the evening, but also shared the impact the foundation can have on the future of Tennessee's number one and most important industry.

"Looking across the room, what stood out most wasn't the stage, the decorations or even the fundraising total," said Wright. "It was the people. Good people who care about their neighbors, who believe in agriculture and who were willing to step up and make a difference."

Some of those important, title sponsors who stepped up and made a difference were Farm Credit Mid-America, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, Farm Bureau Health Plans, Ford, Tennessee Truck Plant and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Beyond those organizations though, 50 tables representing agricultural partners and community organizations were full and several donated thousands to the worthy cause.

A portion of the $203,000 raised will no doubt make a direct difference to children across the state with the launch of Meat the Need - an effort through the foundation to provide meat sticks to local backpack programs, ensuring children have protein and real nourishment. Prior to the event, Tosh Farms committed 30 hogs per quarter and the funds raised at the gala can now cover the cost of processing.

In addition to hunger relief, the work of the foundation will also go towards disaster assistance, livestock care and welfare initiatives, agricultural education and youth leadership development, programs that strengthen Tennessee agriculture and rural communities and much more. While TFBF has invested in these efforts for going on 105 years, the foundation brings them all together under one, centralized platform to expand the impact and serve even more Tennesseans. And after an event like the gala, it's safe to say there is great potential for more success to come.

"We knew creating this foundation was something that needed to happen, and so far, we couldn't be more grateful for how many folks have latched arms with us and supported the mission," said Mayberry. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every person who attended, who gave and who was a part of making the first foundation gala a complete success."

In addition to raising funds for the foundation, the gala also featured the naming of Tennessee's Farmer of the Year. After the program concluded, thanks to UTIA, the evening continued at Harvest After Dark with entertainment from Darryl Worley.

All in all, the launch of the foundation and the success of the inaugural gala begins a new chapter in serving Tennessee's farm families and rural communities. The success is just beginning and there will no doubt be more to come.

To learn more about the Tennessee Farm Bureau Foundation, its mission and to donate, visit tnfarmbureau.org/foundation. Photos from the event can also be found at tnfarmbureau.org/photos.