Hammonds honored for support of Hunters for the Hungry

Over the course of more than a decade, one middle Tennessee family has supported Tennessee’s Hunters for the Hungry program on an unprecedented level. Now, the Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF) is honoring Dan and Cherie Hammond of Brentwood by renaming the Hunters for the Hungry Processor of the Year Award for them.

The “Dan and Cherie Hammond Sharing the Harvest Award” will recognize individuals who have made an impact on the Hunters for the Hungry program, and will be given as part of the Federation’s annual Conservation Achievement Awards. More than 75 deer processors statewide are eligible; this year, the award went to Kerry Tucker, of KT’s Wild Game in Lincoln County, for professionally processing 132 whole deer during the 2012-13 season. Since 2008, Tucker has processed enough venison to feed more than 56,000 meals in Lincoln County alone.

(L-R) Tennessee Wildlife Federation Chairman of the Board Jack Gayden, M.D., with Kerry Tucker of KT’s Wild Game and Cherie and Dan Hammond. Tucker was the inaugural winner of TWF’s Dan and Cherie Hammond Sharing the Harvest Award.

Dan Hammond is a long-time TWF Board member, having served from 2010-2012 as chair. For many years the Hammonds have provided tremendous financial support that helped underwrite the processing and distribution costs. Dan is a well-recognized business executive in middle Tennessee, having launched and operated a number of national major media companies, and Cherie is a Certified Public Accountant and community leader in issues affecting Williamson County and middle Tennessee. Cherie currently serves as a member of the Williamson County School Board.

“This program touched my heart from the moment I was introduced to it, but Cherie has really encouraged our family to remain involved with Hunters for the Hungry,” Dan Hammond said. “It’s a tremendously effective program that helps address a critical social need, and the only limit to its potential is funding. We’ve been proud to contribute in every way we can to support it.”

In 15 years, TWF’s statewide Hunters for the Hungry initiative has become one of the most successful in the nation, providing nearly four million meals to Tennesseans in need. Based on the amount of available funding, hunters donate fresh venison to be processed and delivered to hunger relief agencies. Many food banks cite the program as one of the few reliable sources of protein, particularly in the cold months.

“The Hammonds are among our biggest champions for Hunters for the Hungry, and it is fitting that they be honored in this way,” said TWF Chief Development Officer Kendall McCarter. “With their committed leadership and support, we’ve been able to exponentially increase the volume of venison collected each year, and it’s an ever-growing need.”

Deer season is currently underway in Tennessee, and hunters are encouraged to get involved in the program by donating whole deer or a portion of their prepared meat through a Tennessee Department of Agriculture-approved Hunters for the Hungry processor. A full list of participating locations is available on the Federation’s website at www.tnwf.org.

“Everyone can be a part of this program, not only by donating meat, but by giving financially and helping to spread awareness,” McCarter said. “People like the Hammonds have set a great example, as has this year’s recipient of the Sharing the Harvest Award. It’s something we can all feel good about supporting.”

Since 1946, the not-for-profit Tennessee Wildlife Federation has served as champions for our Great Outdoors. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, go to www.tnwf.org or contact Hunters for the Hungry Program Manager Matt Simcox at msimcox@tnwf.org or 615-353-1133.