Philanthropic Heroes of Williamson County
Williamson County owes its greatness to the remarkable individuals who call it home. Our expansive nonprofit community is a driving force for tangible positive change, and we are forever indebted to the dedication of the people who make charitable organizations operate and events happen. Those people are our heroes because they dedicate their careers, businesses and personal time to giving back on a daily basis. They are never doing it alone though! It takes a village to make great things happen!
In this issue,we celebrate those people as well, as the so often, unsung heroes of our community - doing things behind the scenes with little to no recognition, but with just as much impact. Both of these groups are deserving of the title: Hero!
These extraordinary individuals are the foundation of our community. Their selfless commitment and tireless efforts are the very essence of what makes our community so exceptional. Please join YOUR Williamson as we salute our 2023 Philanthropic Heroes!
Ralph Drury - A True Philanthropic Hero
By Shelly Robertson Birdsong
No Salute to Philanthropy would be complete without honoring the late Ralph Drury. We do so in this issue posthumously, as Williamson County lost this tremendous hero for all things charitable, in September. During a time of extreme grief at the loss of my friend but also tremendous gratitude for having known him and benefited from all he was in more ways than I can count – I penned this social media post, which for me was cathartic, but ended up being much loved and repeated by so many, in tribute to our dear friend. What if all of us could become the standard bearers of what Ralph Drury was and all that he accomplished? Sharing, in part - for Ralph:
When I received the news over the weekend, I literally could not wrap my mind around the idea that Ralph was and is, truly gone. Every day since, I have been filled with emotion and so many memories of a man who has so deeply impacted my life. Perhaps, well more than he could have ever known. I feel able to at best, express what Ralph means to me and what I know I say, is the feeling of countless other people who knew him. He was without a doubt a force to be reckoned with. You could love him one minute and hate him the next. But not really. How could you? That voice echoes in my ear even now, and when he smiled that dimple gave him away as really an old softy despite, sometimes, his bluster. I adored him, revered him, thought of him as a mentor and a task master who I personally held in such regard, that it mattered what he thought and what he expected of me.
I met Ralph when I first started at the Heritage Foundation in 1999. My first event - Dickens of a Christmas - brought Ralph into my life - and I can never forget the jovial and joyous way he and pal Joe Pless - ran the cider and hot chocolate booth. Dressed to the nines in Victorian garb (Ralph, Joe, not so much), and with boisterous enthusiasm, they schlepped that cider all weekend - and were, without a doubt, a huge draw to one and all at the festival. He taught me about wine and lent his expertise in both fundraising, events, business and friendship over many years. He chaired the Heritage Ball one year and I swore we would end up killing each other before it was all over, but we didn’t and his ball was truly an event to remember, just as he promised it would be.
Like everyone else, I was infused with his infectious personality and his fun-loving attitude and even more so by his abiding and deep love of his community, his friends, and beyond everything else - his family. I looked up to he and Kathy Drury in such a way that I considered them my family. I definitely gained two incredible friends in his daughters Annie Drury Pareigis and Carrie Drury who without a doubt, will carry on his legacy in a way that Ralph would have been so proud.
I mourn his absence profoundly and I will for, well, ever, I suppose. And that’s ok. His was a life so well lived that he should remain in our memories forever. I know he is up there looking down with that dimple and grin, nodding to all of us to carry on. Be our best and love one another every single day as we make sure no-one forgets him and all that he left us. Thank you, Ralph. I love you to the moon and back.
Ralph E. Drury: 1940 - 2023
Ralph was eighty-three when he passed away on September 2, 2023. Drury who served in the United States Army and moved from Kentucky to middle Tennessee, went on to become notable in the insurance business and employee benefits service. Many in our community knew Ralph in business and through his company – The Drury Group – but it was his affinity for all things wine and a penchant for helping the underserved and less fortunate in his midst, that are what truly left the indelible Ralph Drury mark. When the two elements combined to create his legacy event –A Vintage Affair – and all the subsequent events that have emanated from that organization – Ralph’s place in the philanthropic history of Williamson County was solidified.
The list of organizations he helped found or support is long. And the many recipients of funds raised through AVA, is staggering. He was a founding member of Mercy Children’s Clinic, the Franklin City Club and The Hundred Club of Franklin, member of the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, member of Leadership Franklin, Board of Directors of Williamson Health Foundation, Board of Directors of the Heritage Foundation, Heritage Ball Chair and King, President of Franklin Police Academy Alumni Association, and Chairman of Finance for the Franklin First United Methodist Church where he was a member of the church. Ralph’s love of fine wine led him to create A Vintage Affair (AVA) in 2001.
This organization leverages boutique wines and spirits, as well as incomparable community events to raise funds for charities benefiting the community and supporting the well-being of women and children in Williamson County. The organization has raised more than $2.3 million to benefit causes supporting local women and children. In addition, since 2005, AVA contributed $800,000 to equip the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Williamson Medical Center. There is no telling how many members of our community have directly benefited from this hero. He was one in a million and will be missed.
Diane Giddens
Diane Giddens is native of Williamson County and is the County Mayor’s Chief of Staff for Williamson County Government, where she has worked for over forty-three years. Her servant heart goes from our county's government, to our community's needs. She has served on boards, volunteered countless hours of time and service, and has devoted her life in so many ways to this community. She has been a past secretary with Williamson County Young Republicans; has served with the 2002 Local Government Leadership Program - UT Institute for Public Service; 2003-04 Leadership Franklin graduate and a current board member; past board member and president of Youth Leadership Franklin; past president of Waves, Inc. and board member of Waves, Inc.; founding and current board member of the Williamson County Fair board, where she has also served as board secretary for seven years and currently serves as chair.
Here are just some of the reasons why these organizations are the most important to Diane - calling her to give of her time and heart: A Vintage Affair, which has served thousands of women and children in our community; Waves, Inc., because it provided family assistance for her late brother and provides learning opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; Leadership Franklin, which provides an opportunity for anyone to experience a behind the scenes looks at businesses and nonprofits in our community; and the Williamson County Fair, which is the largest event in our county and brings communities together and celebrates our traditions.
As often as she can, Diane encourages people to get involved. Diane says if she could do more, she thinks it would be great to establish a nonprofits directory that would be provided to every new resident. She feels fortunate to live in a community that can afford to financially support organizations but knows that we also need individuals who can support them with their time and personal talents. Diane feels that it is important to find where your heart’s passion lies, get involved and give back. The personal benefits you receive will be greater than you give.
Jo Ellen McDowell
Jo Ellen McDowell has lived in Williamson County for nearly eleven years. She and her husband, Chuck, initially settled in Fairview for several years before moving to downtown Franklin in November 2017. Her journey in work and life, has been marked by a strong commitment to community service.
Before her time in Franklin, Jo Ellen worked for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum from 2002 to 2015, as Vice President of Event Management. Her background in event planning would soon become an asset in her community involvement.
Currently, Jo Ellen serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of Franklin Parks. Her dedication to preserving Williamson County's heritage is evident through her previous role on the Harlinsdale Committee. She and her husband, Chuck, along with Jan and Andy Marshall, chaired the 2023 Raise the Roofs Event at Harlinsdale Farm.
Animals hold a special place in Jo Ellen's heart, and she demonstrates this by serving on the Board of Directors for the Williamson County Animal Center. In her one year of service , she has already helped in planning their annual fundraiser, "An Evening with Friends." Furthermore, Jo Ellen sits on the advisory committee for the History and Cultural Center of Williamson County. She has been an active member of the Heritage Ball committee for the Heritage Foundation over the past three years. Jo Ellen believes in working with wonderful local groups that are making a positive impact on society.
Looking ahead, Jo Ellen wants to take a more hands-on approach with other vital community organizations, including Williamson Health and the Davis House Child Advocacy Center. She is interested in organizations that provide food for families in need. When asked about the recognition she has received for her philanthropic efforts, Jo Ellen remains humble, emphasizing that she gives her time and resources because it's the right thing to do.
Gary Vogrin
Gary Vogrin has lived in Williamson County since 1996 and has given his energy and enthusiasm to the community since arriving. He is the Founder of Kiser + Vogrin Design, a Landscape Architectural, Land Planning and Urban Design firm that has worked with numerous notable Williamson County projects - such as Berry Farms, McEwen Northside, The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, Franklin City Hall, Franklin Parks and Greenways Master Plan, The Middle Eight, City Park Brentwood, Columbia State Community College Franklin Campus, Historic Carter House, The Grove, Carlisle and Tollgate Village.
Gary likes to find ways to use his skills in design/landscape architecture to help enhance the quality of life in his community. He has served on the Executive Committee of Friends of Franklin Parks, assisting with all things graphics and site planning to promote open spaces, parks and trails within our community. He was in the Leadership Franklin Class of 2010 and has served as Chair of the Franklin Public Arts Commission, providing guidance and oversight for publicly displayed art projects that are outdoors in the city of Franklin. He is a Board Member of Williamson Inc., and Vice-Chair of the City of Franklin Building and Street Standards Board of Appeals.
He feels that participating in these organizations provides him the opportunity to meet great people and build lasting relationships. It’s all about having fun at what you do and celebrating the fun events that are part of these organizations! He says, "Be involved in any way you can as a volunteer, build the relationships and eventually you will be engaged in the organization you wish to be a part of."
Stacey Downs
Stacey Downs is the current President of A Vintage Affair and has been involved with AVA since 2020. Stacey loves the fact that AVA supports multiple beneficiaries each year. If you’re interested in getting more involved in our community and the nonprofit world, Stacey feels that supporting A Vintage Affair is the perfect place to start. They’ve been benefiting others one wine bottle at a time, since 2000, and they have a long history of working with other nonprofits.
To Stacey, Franklin and Williamson County would not be the place that we all love if the generations before us had not taken the time to be involved. She feels blessed to be a part of a community that supports one another with their financial resources and time. Stacey adds, “I want Franklin to continue to be a light to others, a place where we raise up our neighbors, and to teach our children ‘To whom much is given much is expected.’”
Despite her important role, Stacey humbly sees herself as just one piece of the puzzle. She thinks everyone who joins the board, volunteers, or sponsors AVA plays a vital role in its success.
Stacey notices the generous spirit in Williamson County, a place that attracts people for its strong sense of community. To keep this alive, she suggests a "Welcome Home" pamphlet for newcomers, explaining local nonprofits and how to join in. This, she believes, will ensure that the county remains a welcoming and philanthropic community.
Stacey moved to Williamson County in 2008 and married Todd Downs, a Franklin native. They live here with their two children, Emmaline and Thomas.
Jonathan Oppenheimer
Jonathan Oppenheimer feels that being outside is essential in keeping his sanity and he knows that others can benefit as well, which is why he has devoted his life to making sure that the land is preserved and getting others involved. He works at The Fork Inn and Big East Fork Farms as Chief Eccentric Officer. In 2015, he founded the Center for Sustainable Stewardship (CSS), a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating the next generation of stewards; conserving watersheds with their native plants and animals; connecting people to nature; and providing support for research, local regenerative farmers, retreat participants and artists/scholars within a 2,000-acre nature preserve. He also donated 713 acres as its initial campus in 2020.
CSS preserves Williamson County’s natural and agricultural heritage, and biodiversity, with walking trails, native grasslands and a unique watershed. It encourages outdoor activities. Through this Big East Fork Heritage Trust, it encourages the donation of miles of hiking trails for use by the Parks and Recreation Department’s Timberlands Park. There are 1,400 acres of land in a conservation easement for the purpose of allowing land to mature into old-growth forest and to preserve the beautiful Big East Fork valley for future generations.
He encourages science educators to use this small indoor and expansive outdoor classroom, to provide opportunities to future land stewards to get their hands dirty and feet wet in nature. He would love to see other organizations use and maintain the miles of trails, spending more time in the creeks and forest, gardening, farming; participating in the arts, sciences and exercising in outdoor spaces. With the help of other organizations and individuals they hope to expand their campus to adjacent land.
Jonathan and his wife, Lee Anne, also volunteer time and space to the Williamson County Arts Commission and Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission.
Connie Martin
Connie Martin has been a resident of Williamson County since 1989. Currently, she holds the position of Executive Director at the 21st District Recovery Court. In this capacity, she oversees a transformative two-year program designed to guide non-violent offenders on a path to recovery, by providing rehabilitation, housing, group therapy and more.
Connie's journey with the 21st District Recovery Court began in 2002 when she started as a dedicated volunteer. Her commitment and passion led her to assume the role of Executive Director in 2015. Prior to this role, during her tenure as a probation officer, Connie witnessed a disheartening cycle: Individuals released from the criminal justice system, returning to incarceration due to the absence of a support system. The organization's mission, therefore, becomes profoundly vital. It offers these same individuals a lifeline, enrolling them in a comprehensive two-year program with the support and accountability required to transform them into contributing members of our community.
To Connie, the act of giving back imparts meaning to life, reminding her of all she’s been given. She can only find true fulfillment when she looks outside her own needs. She’s seen from the participants just how much a person’s environment impacts the trajectory of their life, and she’s grateful to be a part of a program that restores hope and purpose.
Connie hopes to one day see other organizations that provide critical resources (food, shelter, mental health, addiction, etc.) come together with the organization at a centralized location to offer comprehensive services to those in need in Williamson County.
Connie notes that “each and every one of us is negatively impacted by drug and alcohol addiction, and learning how to support those that need help to overcome their addictions just might save a life.”
Brian Hubbard
Brian Hubbard is an architect and the Design Director for Gensler, a global firm known for its work in architecture and interior design. Growing up in Evansville, Indiana, Brian's love for design and buildings started early. He studied architecture at Ball State University. After college, he worked as an architect in Miami and Chicago before settling in Nashville in 2011. The decision was easy because he fell in love with both the city and his future wife, Meredith. In 2013, Brian and Meredith decided to start a family and moved to Williamson County. They were drawn to the area's rich history, beautiful parks, and excellent schools.
In 2009, he joined ACE, a program that connects high school students with professionals in design and construction. He wanted to share his knowledge and inspire young minds. In 2012, Brian became involved with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for families in need. Seeing the difference these homes made in people's lives reinforced his belief that architects can create places that build communities. Brian's journey in giving back continued when he joined the Urban Land Institute in 2014. This organization connects professionals who care about improving local communities. Brian got involved and even helped share knowledge with others.
One of the nonprofits that captured Brian's heart is Saddle Up!. His wife was already involved with the organization, and Brian fell in love with its mission to help children and adults with different abilities. In 2019, he joined Saddle Up!'s board and has been actively involved ever since. Saddle Up! holds a special place in Brian's heart, especially after their son Maxwell was diagnosed with autism in 2020. The organization's services have been a source of support and transformation for their family.
For Brian, giving back is not just words, it's a way of life. He learned from his parents that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. As a husband to Meredith and a proud father to Caroline and Maxwell, Brian's journey has been marked by his passion for architecture and his dedication to helping others.
Linda Crockett Jackson
Linda Crockett Jackson’s roots run deep in Williamson County, where she proudly stands as an eighth-generation resident of our community. Twenty-five years ago, Linda took the courageous step of establishing Bridges Domestic Violence Center, an organization she presently leads as its Executive Director. In her decade of service as a volunteer reserve Franklin Police sergeant, Linda witnessed numerous families in dire need of assistance.
When the sole women’s shelter in Williamson County shut its doors, Linda recognized the pressing need for a refuge where individuals could escape the clutches of domestic violence. As a result, she was determined to provide a safe haven for our community.
Currently, the only domestic violence shelter in Williamson County, Bridges’ mission is to help survivors find a pathway to safety and independence. In 2017, Linda saw another pressing need: Transitional housing for families emerging from the shelter. This initiative would offer survivors a year to rebuild their lives within our community. She founded the Door Step Project, delivering affordable interim housing to survivors, and addressing the financial barrier to community reintegration.
In the face of soaring housing costs, the Door Step Project has managed to acquire two residences and sublet two others. Linda’s vision includes expanding this initiative with the addition of two to three more homes in the coming years, despite the intimidating real estate market of Williamson County.
While she humbly accepts the nomination as a philanthropic hero, Linda sees herself not as such, but as a dedicated individual committed to always improving our community. If you would like to learn more about Bridges Domestic Violence Center and the Door Step Project, visit bridgesdvc.org and doorstepproject.org
Bob Ravener
Bob Ravener has proudly called Williamson County home for over fifteen years. After a tenure as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy, he dedicated over three decades to the corporate world, ending in his role as the Chief People Officer at Dollar General. In his well-earned retirement, Bob is currently a consultant and writer.
Within our tight-knit community, Bob is not merely a resident but a vital force of positive change. Since 2018, he has been a devoted member of the Downtown Franklin Rotary, fostering connections and collaborations that uplift our community. His commitment extends to the Friends of Franklin Parks, where he has served on the Board since 2019 and assumed the role of Vice President in 2022. Bob also wears the hat of President of the Downtown Franklin Neighborhood Association Board, a position he has held since 2022.
He has lent his expertise to the USNA Foundation Athletics & Scholarship Program Board of Trustees since 2022 and has played an integral role on the Franklin's Charge Board of Directors during the same period. Bob's past contributions include serving as the vice-chair of the Franklin Civil War Historical Commission, Chair of the Tennessee State Workforce Development Board, and board memberships with Goodwill Industries International and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
Bob's dedication to community service is driven by a belief in the transformative power of giving back. He is a proud Veteran and his motivation stems from the foundational values instilled during his time in the U.S. Navy, where he learned the importance of service to others. He is also a member of VFW Post 4893 and the American Legion Post 215. Bob envisions a legacy where his children and grandchildren flourish in a community that makes our country stronger.
Bob cherishes the privilege of residing among the welcoming and community-oriented residents of Franklin. He finds inspiration in the town's exceptional people and is honored to contribute to the tapestry of civic engagement that makes Franklin an extraordinary place to call home.
