I knew when I moved to Tennessee the first time that this was the state that was known for its volunteerism, but that’s all I knew. Being in the media I get the chance to attend several charity functions that we cover in the paper. It never ceases to amaze me how many people turn out for these events, how hard the organizers and volunteers work on them and just how much the people in this area will give.
A couple of examples came to mind. One was the Shark Race that the United Way held at the Ripley’s Aquarium in the Smokies. There were so many volunteers that you almost could put one with each person that attended, which would have been a task because of how many of the local residents that made the drive to Gatlinburg for the event. I couldn’t walk two feet without seeing someone that I knew from our community. In a town that is known for it’s tourism, I thought that was quite a statement. Not only did the community rally around the race, people from other states watched as the winner was announced, a yellow Hummer, and applauded as if they had won themselves. Not one person complained about not winning, they were glad to fork the $10 over to a cause that would help this community.
Another event was the tuna weigh in, organized by the local 4-Clubs. The children and their parents were everywhere at Sevierville Intermediate School, hauling their load of canned tuna to the weigh in point, some carrying a box with two kids, some helping parents and some even dragging the boxes filled with food. Everyone was smiling as they counted the cans, 4090 of them and all had the time of their life volunteering to help those that aren’t as fortunate as some.
Tennessee has the most giving people I’ve ever been around, and I’ve been around. When we moved here from Arizona, we lived in Nashville, we brought our children and they stayed, had grandchildren and they will probably stay too. They consider this beautiful country their home. The trees and mountains can talk to you with history and beauty, but they can’t make you feel welcome without the people in them. With the exception of two people, I can honestly say that everyone in this community is good as gold. They help each other and even those that they don’t know.
I don’t believe anyone grants any state a reward or grade for what they do for others, but if they did, it would be hands down, Tennessee would get an “A”.

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