May 1, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2013
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Moxley Carmichael
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Bank donates $2,500 in Hatcher’s name to Smoky Mountain Service Dogs
Home Federal Bank Executive Vice President Debra Smith (from left) and President Dale Keasling name Tami Wyatt a 2013 Hometown Hero at a ceremony at the bank’s Maryville branch May 1. Wyatt designated her $2,500 award to Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, and board chair Mike Kitchens (right) and service dog Willie accepted the funds on the organization’s behalf.
Home Federal Bank named Tami Wyatt a 2013 Hometown Hero and presented a check for $2,500 in her name to Smoky Mountain Service Dogs at a ceremony held at the Home Federal Bank Maryville branch on Wednesday, May 1.
Now in its third year, the Hometown Heroes program spotlights ordinary people who do extraordinary things for others and their community. The public submitted dozens of nominations and ten winners were selected for their extraordinary volunteer work in the community.
A $2,500 donation is made in each honoree’s name to the nonprofit of his or her choice, and an overall winner of the ten finalists will have an additional $2,500 donation made in his or her name.
“There are so many great people that selflessly do an incredible amount of good for our community and never get the credit they deserve,” said Home Federal Bank President Dale Keasling. “People like Tami Wyatt, whose volunteer efforts help people in our community every day, exemplify what it means to be a Hometown Hero.”
As a volunteer with Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, Wyatt knows that man’s best friend can be an invaluable assistant for the disabled. That is why she has served as a puppy raiser and socializer and a foster parent for service dogs in training. She has helped secure funds for the raising and placing of the dogs and also has helped establish a Medical Applications Team to ensure successful service dog placements. As an active and involved member of Smoky Mountain Service Dogs board of directors, she has made a significant difference in helping to improve the quality of life for disabled veterans and children with autism in East Tennessee.
“We are happy to honor these Hometown Heroes,” said Keasling. “And we are pleased to support these programs that do such great things for our neighbors throughout the year.”
Board chair Mike Kitchens accepted the award on behalf of Smoky Mountain Service Dogs.
About Home Federal Bank
Home Federal Bank is a locally-owned, full-service bank serving East Tennesseans through branches in Knox, Anderson, Blount and Sevier counties. For more information, visit http://www.homefederalbanktn.com.
