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Middle Tennesseans in Need Will Benefit
From Former Governor’s New Charitable Fund
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Announces Creation of Ned R. McWherter Fund for Basic Human Needs
Nashville, TN, November 19, 2004 – The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a charitable organization that benefits nonprofits serving the needy in 40 Middle Tennessee counties, has announced the creation of the Ned R. McWherter Fund for Basic Human Needs.
Former Governor Ned R. McWherter, who was given the Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award this week by The Community Foundation, used the proceeds he received from the award to establish the new fund, which The Community Foundation also will administer.
“Human beings must have their most basic needs met in order to fulfill their potential and accomplish their goals,” McWherter said. “I am honored to receive the Kraft Award, which allows me to establish a fund through The Community Foundation that will make a difference in the lives of Middle Tennesseans who need fundamental support, such as food, clothing, shelter, healthcare and education. I encourage those who are passionate about helping to contribute to the fund as we continue to support those in need in Middle Tennessee.”
Those who receive the annual Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award have the opportunity to do as McWherter has done and designate their portion of the Kraft Fund to the cause of their choice. After Joe Kraft’s death in 1993, the humanitarian award was established to recognize those who best exemplify Kraft’s commitment to community, home, and individuals in need.
“Ned McWherter has already done so very much for people in need throughout this community. How appropriate that he has chosen to use these charitable dollars to continue to build that legacy," said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. "We are honored that he has entrusted The Community Foundation to ensure that nonprofits providing basic human needs will have another source of on-going support. We look forward to improving lives in Governor McWherter's name for generations to come."
Nonprofit organizations can apply each year to The Community Foundation, which gives grants from hundreds of funds like former Governor McWherter’s. The Foundation’s funds are designated for both specific and unrestricted use. For more information on grants, visit www.cfmt.org.
Individuals and organizations may also contribute to any fund at The Community Foundation, including the Ned R. McWherter Fund for Basic Human Needs. To donate, contact The Community Foundation at 615-321-4939.
About Joe Kraft
Joe Kraft, whose parents were Russian immigrants, was a Davidson County native and graduate of Vanderbilt University. Prior to receiving his degree, Kraft put his athletic scholarship on hold to enlist in the Army Air Corps after the attack on Pearl Harbor that marked the U.S. entrance into World War II. During the war, Kraft flew 31 missions over Italy, Germany and Czechoslovakia as a navigator on a B-17 bomber. He graduated from Vanderbilt in 1948, and received a law degree from what is now Nashville School of Law in 1958. Kraft then founded one of Nashville’s largest certified public accounting firms, Kraft Bros., Esstman, Patton & Harrell.
About The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee oversees more than 470 charitable funds. In the past twelve years, The Community Foundation has distributed $220 million to community programs and institutions. Currently, The Community Foundation manages endowment, unrestricted and memorial funds totaling $300 million. It is located at 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.
