“Help us recognize and celebrate those ‘silver linings’ in our community who are inspiring, who make a difference, and who put a smile on everyone’s face, all in support of cancer research,” – Laura Heatherly, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation.
The T.J. Martell Foundation was founded in 1975 by leading music industry executive, Tony Martell, to raise money to fund cancer research. The foundation was named in memory of Mr. Martell’s son T.J. who died of leukemia at a young age. With the support of the music industry, the T.J. Martel Foundation has raised over $280 million dollars towards cancer research.
Now, the T.J. Martell Foundation is starting a new tradition by giving out the “Sunshine Award!” According to the foundation “the Sunshine Award recognizes those ‘shining lights’ in our community who consistently lift us up and make us smile, just by being themselves.” The inaugural winner is a hostess from The Palm restaurant in downtown Nashville, Rae Krenn.
Rae is described as everyone’s mother—a comforting figure to many in the Nashville community. The constant smile on her face and positive attitude can turn anyone’s day around. In fact, Rae’s sunshine is so infectious that the foundation has renamed the award after her, and it is now the “Rae Krenn Sunshine Award.”
The award will be given out monthly, with the winner receiving a commemorative plaque, a complimentary lunch at The Palm, and recognition during the month recognized on all of T.J. Martell Foundation’s social media and website. Sponsorship of the Rae Krenn Sunshine Award requires a minimum $2,500 donation, which is 100% tax deductible and supports the T.J. Martell Foundation’s cancer research programs.
The Rae Krenn Sunshine Award is a great way to celebrate the wonderful people in our communities and to let a little light shine through in the midst of the pandemic.
