Memorials

Elizabeth Smith and Bill Mueller Advised Fund Established 2005

When Elizabeth and Bill moved to Nashville from St. Louis, high on their “to-do” list was a call to The Community Foundation to establish this Donor-Advised Fund. They had already experienced the ease such a giving vehicle could provide in other places they had lived. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is grateful for their call.

Gary W. Smith Memorial Fund Established 2008

Although it is hard to imagine how Gary Smith could have filled his 52 years with any more than he did, it’s also hard to imagine how much more good might have happened had his life not been cut short so tragically. Through the Gary W. Smith Memorial Fund, his family — Sherri, Tyler and Tanner — is able to invest in charitable causes and concerns that fit Gary’s passions and Middle Tennessee’s opportunities.

Jane and Tom Smith Advised Fund Established 1996

J. Smith Family Advised Fund Established 1998

The Timothy and Nutcha Smith Family Fund Established 2019

The Wayne T. and Cheryl G. Smith Charitable Fund Established 2018

Leah and Jim Sohr Family Advised Fund Established 2009

Somayaji Family Advised Fund Established 2004

Dr. Buntwal Somayaji served on the Board of The Community Foundation for six years, and that’s just one example of his leadership contributions. Previously he had shared graciously of his time and expertise with the National Conference of Community and Justice and the Sri Ganesha Temple. His efforts to build community and to bring people together have been paramount. The creation of the Somayaji Fund is an extension of his efforts.

April Speyer Advised Fund Established 2012

Max Speyer Advised Fund Established 2012

Robert Speyer Advised Fund Established 2012 Shirley and Stuart Speyer Family Fund Established 2012

The Spickard Family Advised Fund Established 2012

Sue and Andy Spickard wish to continue their support of those philanthropies that are devoted to the general welfare of the community in the areas of health and welfare, education, and the arts. To facilitate their charitable giving, they turned to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Staler Family Advised Fund Established 2014

Kathleen Starnes Memorial Fund Established 2017

Kathleen Starnes’ final wishes were that donations be made in her memory to continue her brave mission of advocating for justice and for the prevention of violence. The Kathleen Starnes Memorial Fund was established to engage and empower victims and citizens in efforts to reduce violent crime.

Starr Hill/Red Light Fund Established 2015

Grant Everett Starrett Fund Established 2014

The Steadfast Fund Established 2018

Joe and Brenda Steakley Family Advised Fund Established 2007

The Steele Advised Fund Established 2012

Peggy and Carter Steele Advised Fund Established 2006

The Shawn Stewart Superhero Tribute Fund for Autism Support Established 2020

The Stewart-Beavers family honors the legacy of Dr. Shawn Stewart with the establishment of the Shawn Stewart Superhero Tribute Fund for Autism Support to continue his passionate legacy of love, service, advocacy and support of those who walk the journey of the autism spectrum. Dr. Stewart worked with children, adolescents and adults on the spectrum, teaching his clients and students that they were gifted with superpowers and amazing abilities. This Fund will provide support for local organizations dedicated to development and implementation of programming that supports the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Stillhouse Advised Fund Established 2009

Carl and Connie Haley established the Stillhouse Advised Fund to support Christian-based charities, preservation and historical organizations, as well as organizations focused on supporting and developing our youth and those in need.

The Donald and Elizabeth Stinnett Advised Fund Established 2012

John R. Story Memorial Advised Fund Established 2001

The John R. Story Memorial Advised Fund was created to recognize the life of Charles Story’s father. Though not highly educated, John was a voracious reader and student of language. Charles honors his father’s legacy through this Fund, proceeds of which support literacy efforts in the greater Nashville community.

Hope and Howard Stringer Advised Fund Established 2003

Hope and Howard’s Advised Fund at The Community Foundation provides them with what they term “a skillfully managed, easily accessed savings account rather than checking account approach” for their philanthropic contributions to the full range of causes they choose to support, from the arts to public education; from social justice to daycare centers.

The Nathan and Briana Succop Family Advised Fund Established 2017

When exploring ways to create an avenue for charitable giving, Nathan and Briana sought the advice of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to look at options. They decided that a Donor-Advised Fund was the way for their family to plan charitable goals for the future.

Ron & Teresa Suedekum Advised Fund Established 2019

Timothy C. and Wendy M. Surratt Advised Fund Established 2000

Victoria Elisabeth Surratt Advised Fund Established 2000

In order to ensure their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter are able to continue Dan and Fran Marcum’s tradition of good works, the Marcums set up Donor-Advised Funds for them, so the younger family members may make their own grants to charities about which they care deeply.

Natilee Duning/Frank Sutherland Advised Fund Established 2002

Ryan and Baylor Swindell Fund Established 2019

Charles Swift Advised Fund Established 2003

The Taylor Swift Charitable Fund Established 2010

In the early hours of May 2010, flooding struck Middle Tennessee, leaving unprecedented destruction in its wake. As Taylor Swift watched her beloved Music City suffer the ravages of the flood waters, she immediately knew she wanted to help. She joined her neighbors in supporting flood response and relief, then created this Fund to continue that work and to serve as a vehicle for future giving opportunities.

William R. Taber Jr. Advised Fund Established 2013

Mr. Taber’s financial advisor recommended he establish this fund as a strategy to help streamline his active annual giving.

Taggie-Big Pig Advised Fund Established 2007

Taggie and Big Pig are more than stuffed animals. They’re the constant companions for Rylie and Connor O’Neil, Heidi and Michael O’Neil’s two young children. They are also reminders of what it means to see and respond to the needs of others as simply and as honestly as children do. By following Rylie and Connor’s example — along with Taggie and Big Pig — the O’Neil Family will support charitable causes important to them through this Fund.

The Tarkington Family Fund Established 2015

Deborah Taylor Tate Fund Established 2016

In celebration of her birthday, Debi Tate created the Deborah Taylor Tate Fund to support a wide variety of charitable causes, but particularly organizations empowering girls and women to help build strong families and healthy, resilient communities.

The McLean and James Tate Memorial Fund Established 2019

On Monday, August 5, after two weeks in the hospital, we were very hopeful that our two little babies were coming into the clear and we might be headed home, but into the night God had other plans. Our hope is

to honor the memory of both Baby Boy McLean and Baby Girl James via this charitable fund designed to show appreciation to our caregivers at Saint Thomas Hospital, Christ the King Catholic Church and beyond by helping provide comfort for future families that may encounter this type of incredible loss.

Team Mica Fund: In Memory of Mica Breeden Martin Established 2012

Team Mica Fund creates awareness of suicide prevention by collaborating with area organizations in Tennessee that support and educate individuals on suicide intervention and by restoring hope in the lives of those that suffer from mental health disorders. On December 16, 2011, Mica took her own life after suffering from a mental illness. While her death was sudden, her life is what we want to remember through the Team Mica Fund, restoring hope one person at a time.

The Tennessee Trust Advised Fund Established 1997

This Fund has been established anonymously as a commitment to service agencies in the state of Tennessee and to assist in their effectiveness in future generations.

The Think Pink TN Fund Established 2020

The Think Pink TN Fund was established by Blair Steakley Lund, a breast cancer survivor, to support a variety of causes with special focus on the range of needs tied to cancer patients and survivors being cared for by the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center.

Neal B. Thomason Donor-Advised Fund Established 2017

The Ednearl and Jim Thomasson Charitable Fund Established 2020

Judy and Raymond Thomasson Advised Fund Established 2003

Thornton Charitable Fund No. 1 Established 2016

Mr. G. Edgar Thornton is supportive of the community and wanted to encourage his children to support nonprofits in the community. He created a Fund for his son, Wade Thornton.

Thornton Charitable Fund No. 2 Established 2016

Mr. G. Edgar Thornton is supportive of the community and wanted to encourage his children to support nonprofits in the community. He created a Fund for his daughter, Deborah Thornton Stegall.

Greg Thurman Family Advised Fund Established 1998

This Fund was established to enhance and support charitable objectives.

Tiny But Mighty Fund Established 2013

The Tiny But Mighty Fund was created to celebrate the unbreakable bonds between animals and their companions while also raising awareness and funding for animal welfare and rescue groups in the Middle Tennessee community. It honors the spirit of Chico, a miniature Chihuahua who passed away in 2013 from congestive heart failure, and is named for the inspiration he provided his owner and to serve as a reminder that even the tiniest acts of kindness can make a mighty big difference.

To Nashville, With Love Fund Established 2020

The To Nashville, With Love Fund was created by a group of music industry professionals to help raise vital funds after the devastating March 2020 tornadoes that struck Middle Tennessee. Funds raised will be disbursed between organizations helping with disaster relief and mental health after tragedy.

Byron and Aleta Trauger Advised Fund Established 2006

Trial Lawyers’ Community Relief Fund Established 2020

This Fund will be used to provide emergency assistance through established community nonprofit organizations in the wake of catastrophes that impact Tennesseans, such as severe weather events.

Jack and Margie Turner Advised Fund Established 1992

Jack and Margie Turner established this Fund and others for their children to facilitate their charitable giving. As residents of Clarksville, they have found The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s geographic area to be a perfect fit for their regional philanthropic interests.

D. Scott and Meg Turner Advised Fund Established 2000

Jeff and Susan Turner Advised Fund Established 2000

Victoria Pierce Turner Charitable Fund Established 2019

Victoria Pierce Turner, known to friends as Vicki Turner, hasn’t met a tree she doesn’t love. Her passion and service to organizations like the Nashville Tree Foundation, The American Chesnut Foundation, the Land Trust for Tennessee, and many other environmental organizations are reflected in her charitable giving through this Fund.

Two Old Hippies Fund Established 2012

Through the Two Old Hippies Fund of The Community Foundation, the Bedells can connect with multiple causes close to their hearts and grow their philanthropy in Middle Tennessee.

Two Trees Advised Fund Established 2011

Charlie and Judy Tygard Fund for Bellevue Established 2017

Charlie and Judy Tygard are committed to Bellevue like few others have been. Longtime residents of the Poplar Creek subdivision, they raised two daughters and owned a business in the community. This Fund represents the Tygards’ continuing commitment to Bellevue and the many organizations that have worked hard to create a strong and family-oriented sense of community.

The Tyrrell Family Fund Established 2012

Uncle Tanksley Advised Fund Established 2018

Uncle is the most important relative to Kirk and Amy Tanksley. He is their baby … and the business they started in 2008. Uncle Classic Barbershop has grown from an idea into multiple locations across Middle Tennessee during the past decade. This Fund allows Kirk and Amy to give back to the community that has been good to them both personally and professionally.

Keith Urban Just Cause Fund Established 2019

The Vacek Family Advised Fund Established 2019

Vance Family Fund Established 2017

Village Hope, Zimbabwe Advised Fund Established 2009

Village Hope, a farm located in troubled Zimbabwe, provides a loving home to AIDS orphans. Education is a top priority, and serving others is a way of life. From a simple beginning ... “let’s save a couple of kids” ... this project has grown to include 18 children of various ages in residence. The goal is to make a college education available to each of them. Village Hope also reaches out into the community, organizing programs that feed lunch to 900 hungry school children while also providing broader community feedings for over 400 people from surrounding villages. Village Hope also supports a “seed to sadza” project that provides seed corn for planting and enough mielie-meal to get households by until their crops come in. Most recently, Village Hope conducted its own habitat project called “pass it on,” providing animals to neighbors in deep need. Imagine this ... children once homeless living in hope and passing hope onto neighbors in need.

The Randy and Davonna Wachtler Family Charitable Fund Established 2012

A Waffle Can Change The World Fund Established 2020

A Waffle Can Change The World Fund is a charitable endeavor inspired by and established to honor associates of Waffle House #473, located in Nashville. A tribute to their effervescent kindness and heartfelt generosity seen through the eyes of an impressionable 6-year-old, their unknowing impact now carries forward through philanthropic influence and active giving. Coupled with the children’s book “How a Waffle can Change the World,” the Fund aims to empower and pass on their contagious spirit of love for the betterment of humankind by supporting nonprofit organizations engaged in youth enrichment services and education on a local and national level in an effort to positively impact our future generations.

Madeline Reeves Waltemath Advised Fund Established 2021

The Weeks Family Advised Fund Established 2013

Chad Welch Memorial Fund Established 2007

Chad Welch was diagnosed with Acute Mylogenous Leukemia on April 26, 2005. After 26 months, he lost his courageous battle with cancer. Throughout his illness, Chad not only fought his own disease, but he also became an advocate for the greater fight against leukemia by raising money for related charities and challenging his family and friends to join the fight against leukemia. Inspired by Chad’s courage and selfless nature, this Fund continues the fight against leukemia in Chad’s name.

The Lamar and LuLu Westcott Advised Fund Established 2004

Al W. Wettstein Advised Fund Established 2008

The Al W. Wettstein Advised Fund was established by Wynn and Linda Radford of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, specifically to foster youth development and leadership