The Community Foundation received a visit in April 2017 from our new East Tennessee friends from the Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries (SMARM).

SMARM Executive Director Dick Wellons traveled to Nashville with board member Ryan Hayley, SMARM Assistant Director Kelli Hyke, and board member Carol Burr (pictured from right).

SMARM - PAINTINGS

The Community Foundation’s Ellen Lehman and Scott O’Neal were presented with two beautifully framed, limited-edition prints of original artwork painted by Great Smoky Mountain artists.

The first, pictured on the right and painted by G. Webb, is titled “Streams of Mercy”, which was inspired by the Smoky Mountains and the many streams flowing down to feed a larger river. The second, pictured to the left and painted by G. Webb’s 12-year-old daughter Cami Monet, is titled “Faithful Friends.”

Both paintings help us to remember those around us who greatly need our assistance, and that it takes a multitude of streams converging to form the larger life of sustaining rivers.

SMARM is one of the several organizations receiving relief funds from the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville Emergency Response Fund at The Community Foundation, established in the wake of wildfires that ravaged much of the Gatlinburg area last November.

Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries provides one-on-one assessments and point-of-need services such as short-term housing, utility assistance, transportation, food, and clothing. It also provides organized mentoring and permanent housing resources to help families move from crisis to stability.