The Catfish Derby & Riverfest is back this year with another great lineup of musical talent! Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the show! The schedule of events include:

National Catfish Derby Pageants

August 24, 2024

Catfish Derby 5k Run

August 31, 2024

Concerts

September 13-15, 2024

The 2024 Festival will host music on Friday, September 13 at Tennessee Street Park (200 Tennessee Street) featuring Chris Hennessee, Trevor Van, and Lightwatch.

On Saturday, September 14, the festival will move to Main Street (470 Main Street) and feature artists Sydney Mack, The Band Loula, John Paul White, Cody Canada and The Departed, with Grammy’s Artist of Tomorrow Award Winner Drake White and Platinum Recording Group Sister Hazel Co-Headlining this mix of Country, Rock, and Red Dirt Line-Up!

On Sunday, September 15, it will head back to Tennessee Street Park for A Riverfest Revelation: Sunday in the South with Hardin County’s own Darryl Worley and Grammy Nominated, Multifaceted Award-Winning Group The Isaacs!

For more event information, visit: savannahriverfest.com/event-info/

On October 12, 2024, The National Catfish Derby Fishing Tournament will take place with the weigh-in being on Main Street at The Savannah Market. There will be fishing tournaments throughout the week that will take the Derby back to its roots as an actual Derby. Those weigh-ins will be at various locations throughout Savannah and will be announced accordingly. The Market will house a few food trucks and live music featuring Trey Nichols, Ty Moore, and Cole Nichols sponsored by Music on Main.

We are happy to see Bill Dance hosting The National Catfish Derby starting in 2024. This has been a long running conversation with The City of Savannah, HCCVB, and The State of Tennessee Department of Tourism and we are excited to have worked out the details in adding the Bill Dance Signature to the tournament!

The tournament weigh-in and activities are offered FREE to the public on October 12th.

We have a very special event planned for Wednesday, August 14th, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Award-winning artist Sharon Miller and the super talented Robin Lees, owner and designer at Restormi HomeDesign & Tempo Boutique in Adamsville, are joining forces. It’s no secret that artists and fashion designers are both inspired by beauty and mood, and these two creative-minded women are putting together an afternoon escape for us at River Heights Restaurant. The proceeds of the luncheon go toward purchasing wheelchairs and other mobility assistance.

Robin Lees is providing the models and clothing for the DWF 2nd Annual Fashion Show, while Sharon Miller is the portraitist and artist providing the artwork. The venue will provide attendees the opportunity to mingle and chat while enjoying the painting and clothing ensembles selected to ignite each other through complementary elements such as color, texture, and theme. A luncheon buffet will be served to accommodate the various lunch schedules of the guests.

We’re in for a real treat as we mingle with the models, chat with Sharon and Robin, enjoy the river view, and spend a few hours with friends. You’ll have plenty of inspiration to reimagine, reinvent, & remodel the next steps of your life!

For more information, call The Darryl Worley Foundation at 731-926-2667. We’ll be sending out invitations soon via email.

Join Us In Making a Difference!

Join Our Mission: Volunteers Needed for Exciting Events and Projects! Help us make a difference in our community. Contact us at 731-926-2667 or office@darrylworleyfoundation.com to get involved today!

Rivertown in the Round at the Airport was an unforgettable evening of musical magic held on April 12th. Guests arriving to the Savannah-Hardin County Airport were silhouetted against a stunning sunset, adding a touch of glamour and anticipation to their arrival. 

Talented and professional musicians included Blake Walley and Annalise Walley, a brother-sister duo. Blake serves as both DWF Board Member and Savannah City Manager.

The pre-show featured talented singer/songwriter, Austin Bohannon, from Muscle Shoals. Darryl Worley followed, leading the guests into captivating sets and conversations with songwriters, Maria Cannon-Goodman and Brice Long. As always, hearing the stories that inspire the songs we love was fascinating and provided both emotional and funny moments. Getting to know these talented people through their insights and hearing their stories provides deeper meaning to their music.

DWF extends its gratitude to the energetic and upbeat attendees who created a vibrant and exciting evening. Their level of participation led to a high energy and fun live auction. Guests were thoroughly entertained by the good-natured competition between the participants as they bested each other’s bids. Their generosity of both spirit and donations for both the live and silent auctions made the evening extra special and the fundraiser a huge success. The donations raised go directly to low-income individuals in the community in need of such things as medical supplies, items that make their homes more accessible such as grab bars, shower chairs and lift chairs. DWF also supplies gas for those struggling to get to important medical appointments out of town. The list of needs is long and because of the support of the community DWF can act quickly to fulfill many of them. Additionally, DWF helps fund the Darryl Worley Cancer Treatment Center.

Alzheimer 101: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

We deeply appreciate Amanda B. Leitch, the West Tennessee Regional Director for Alzheimer's Tennessee, for her invaluable presentation, "Alzheimer’s 101: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly," at our recent "Evening of Education" event. Her expertise and engaging delivery offered essential insights into Alzheimer's disease, which significantly impacts many lives and families. We are thankful for the resources and support Alzheimer's Tennessee, West TN, provides to our community, helping us better understand and assist those affected by this condition. Thank you, Amanda, for your dedication and inspiring presentation.

Attendees: Demetrice Hart from DWF, alongside Lee Yeiser, a dedicated supporter, and Debbe Welch, a DWF volunteer. They gather around Amanda Leitch. A family in attendance found valuable resources and compassionate support from Amanda and fellow attendees, making the evening particularly meaningful.

Photos for Healthy Eating Lecture, bottom left Instructor, Belinda Jones with Janice Bumpous, bottom right, VaRand Sevier-Pride with Cherie Thompson.

DWY Lecture Series Returns by Popular Demand

We are thrilled to announce that due to the overwhelmingly positive response, more events are being planned! There has also been a significant demand for these speakers to return. All events will be hosted at the Darryl Worley Foundation offices in Savannah. Stay tuned for the DWF Lecture Series in November 2024 and February 2025.

At DWF, we are committed to supporting local charitable organizations and individuals in our community. Our efforts span various forms of assistance, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most. Here's a detailed overview of what we provide:

Support for Individuals:

• Medical Related Purchases: Products to help make bathrooms more accessible for those struggling with disabilities and age related issues.
• Prescription Assistance: We help cover the cost of necessary medications.
• Emergency Assistance: We offer aid in emergencies, such as house fires, ensuring immediate relief.
• Utility and Housing Payments: We assist low-income individuals, who are temporarily unable to work due to expensive medical treatments, with some of their monthly expenses.
• Gas and Travel Expenses: We provide gas and travel expenses for those who must go out of town to receive life-saving medical treatments.

Support for Charitable Organizations:

• Donations: Last year, we donated over $150,000 to various individuals and charitable organizations. These funds help support a wide range of community needs.
• Collaborations: We provide grants to other local agencies that offer food, shelter, clothing and other crucial services. 

Partnerships and Projects:

•  Scholarships: We award three scholarships of $2500.00 each year to help students pursue their educational goals.
• Aspell Recovery Facility: In collaboration with HCMC, we contributed to the construction of an Aspell Recovery facility for both men and women, providing crucial support for those battling addiction.

By supporting DWF, you help us continue to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our mission.

The Darryl Worley Foundation Hardin County Charitable Networking Group has been renamed The Worley Community Care Network. Local agencies will continue to meet to learn more about each other’s services, promote mutual support and most importantly, locate additional services for those we serve through referrals within our network. Since our first meeting in 2023 many of us have had the opportunity to work together to help members of our community through hardships.

 The Darryl Worley Resource Guide is a list of these agencies with contact information and description of their services. This has been a wonderful tool for our clients. Instead of trying to locate resources on their own amidst struggles with health and finances, the agencies are listed for them by area of service. It also assists agencies who are searching for additional services for their clients. To receive your copy, call our office at 731-926-2667.

From left to right: Cherie Thompson & Demetrice Hart. Both are available to address any inquiries regarding the Foundation.

We are thrilled to unveil our new sign on Main Street! This sign is a significant step in raising awareness of the Foundation and allowing more people to locate our offices. The Darryl Worley Foundation operates separately from The Darryl Worley Treatment Center which focuses exclusively on cancer treatments providing vital medical care to the community. In contrast, DWF offers a broader range of individual and community services. 

CB&S Bank Support: Enhancing Community Engagement

DWF is deeply grateful to CB&S Bank for their generous donation of office space, which has been instrumental in enhancing our community service. Their ongoing support has created a comfortable and private environment for our clients to meet with staff. Moreover, the addition of a spacious conference room enables us to host productive board and volunteer meetings as well as to host small community events. 

Teresa Nelson, MC, County Director, receives a grant check from the Darryl Worley Foundation on behalf of the Carl Perkins Center.

About The Kirk Thurman Vocational Scholarship

The Kirk Thurman Vocational Scholarship honors Kirk's passion for empowering students pursuing vocational or trade school programs. We are pleased to offer a scholarship of $2500.00 to support aspiring professionals in achieving their educational dreams.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Kirk Thurman Vocational Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a vocational or trade school program.
• Demonstrate a commitment to their chosen field of study.
• Exhibit qualities that reflect Kirk Thurman’s values of dedication and community spirit.

Additional Scholarships

In addition to the Kirk Thurman Vocational Scholarship, The Darryl Worley Foundation offers other scholarships to honor individuals who have made significant contributions:

The Bonnie Worley Scholarship: Honoring Darryl’s mother, this scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional community involvement and volunteerism.

The Edd Childress and Larry Harrell Scholarship: Established in memory of two dedicated gentlemen who devoted their retirement years to The Foundation.

For more information about these scholarships, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Join us as we celebrate Kirk Thurman’s enduring legacy by supporting the next generation of skilled professionals. Together, let’s continue to make a difference in the lives of students pursuing vocational education.

Apply today and be a part of this meaningful journey towards fulfilling dreams and honoring Kirk Thurman’s remarkable contributions.

Support Our Community with DWF Rear Window Decals - Available Now!

Show your support by purchasing a DWF Logo Rear Window Decal! These decals are available at our offices and various local businesses. All proceeds directly benefit individuals in our community who are in need. Get yours today and make a difference!

Announcing New Board Members and Role Transitions

Welcome aboard to our four new board members: Sarah Shirley, Tiffany Thurman-Jones (succeeding her late brother Kirk Thurman), Lindsey Gray, and Ed Bradley. Ed, previously our advisor, transitions to a board position, while Stephanie Godwin, formerly a board member, treasurer, and CPA, now assumes the role of advisor and CPA.

Ms. Deborah Shaw is celebrated as our local hero in this edition for her extraordinary efforts. Amidst the snow and freezing weather, she courageously established a warming station, providing vital shelter for homeless individuals and undoubtedly saving lives. Her passion for serving and caring for vulnerable community members facing hardships is truly inspiring. The team at DWF wholeheartedly supports and expresses deep gratitude to Ms. Shaw for her unwavering commitment to Hardin County. Her dedication, exceptional work ethic, and education shine through in her remarkable efforts, which proved lifesaving during the recent snowstorm.

The Second Harvest Food Bank from Camden, TN, distributes millions of pounds of FDA-approved food annually through programs like Voices of Savannah. They create food boxes containing fresh produce, canned foods, dried beans, rice, and perishable items such as meat, designed to provide meals for 30 days. These boxes also include recipes tailored for kids, seniors, Veterans, and families in need. For more information or to donate, contact Voices of Savannah at 731-438-5166.

Photos depict Community Harvest trucks from Camden delivering supplies to Voices of Savannah. The Voice Team then organizes the fresh produce, canned goods and packaged items into Food Boxes for distribution to those in need within Hardin County, including perishable produce, dairy and meat.

We would also like to congratulate Ms. Shaw for being this years Chamber of Commerce Woman of The Year! Our decision to feature Ms. Shaw as our DWF hero was made well before the Chamber Award Dinner announcement. Just goes to show how much Ms. Shaw is valued by her community. Keep up the great work Deborah! 

The Darryl Worley Foundation proudly provided an Organizational Grant to Voices of Savannah. DWF looks forward to collaboration with Voices and other local charitable agencies in the years ahead. For information on the Darryl Worley Foundation, or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.darrylworleyfoundation.com, visit our offices located in the CB&S Bank building, call 731-926-2667 or email

office@darrylworleyfoundation.com.

The Darryl Worley Foundation is dedicated to building up people and communities by lending support to local organizations & causes that are focused on providing human needs, community support, and education. Click here to view Our Work. For more information, visit our website or call us at 731.926.2667.

The Mission of the Darryl Worley Foundation is to create and aid organizations that assist with human need and welfare community support and education. Our desire is to constantly be giving back to the community and to encourage others to do the same. The Foundation raises funds to support these efforts through direct donations and events such as Songwriters Events.

  "I can't save them by myself

Oh, but God forbid that I just turn my head

And walk on by

Don't let me be a stranger to those less fortunate than I"

Darryl Worley, Less Fortunate Than I

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