Fender's Farm surprised with state appreciation award

Amid rising waters, one Tennessee farm became a lifeline.When the floodwaters from Hurricane Helene swept through Washington County, they didn't spare Fender's Farm. The popular family-run venue lost crops, equipment and part of its livelihood to the storm's relentless surge. Yet, even as their own land disappeared beneath the water, the Fender family opened their doors to everyone else.That generosity, shown in the middle of personal loss, is what inspired Tennessee Constable Mike Gillespie to organize a surprise award presentation at the farm last Friday. Gillespie said he wanted to recognize the family's spirit of service with an official appreciation award from the State of Tennessee."When everything went sideways after Hurricane Helene, Fender's Farm didn't hesitate, they just opened their doors and went to work helping others," Gillespie said. "They became a hub for donations, supplies and volunteers. They handed out meals to people, gave them a place to gather and kept things running when so many were struggling."He said the recognition isn't about drawing attention but about reminding the community of what it means to care for one another."They lost so much themselves, and still put everyone else first," he said. "That deserves to be recognized, not for attention, but to remind people what a community really looks like."After the storm, Fender's Farm became a gathering point for recovery. Relief trucks rolled across its muddy fields, volunteers loaded supplies in the barn and neighbors found comfort around picnic tables that were once used for hayrides and fall festivals."Fender's Farm became the heartbeat of that part of the county after the storm," Gillespie said. "Their property turned into a central point for relief, volunteers met there, supplies came in and went out from there, and families in need found help there."What impressed Gillespie most, he said, was the grace with which the Fender's family carried themselves through hardship."Even when their own farm was underwater and their business was in jeopardy, they were still smiling, still helping, still welcoming everyone who showed up," he said. "That kind of generosity and spirit is rare."He said the idea to surprise the family came together quietly, with help from community members who worked alongside the farm during the recovery. Gillespie said several people involved in cleanup and supply coordination helped plan the event in secret to make sure the moment would truly surprise the Fenders."A few of us who've been part of the recovery worked together quietly to pull it off," he said. "We wanted this to be a genuine surprise, a real 'thank you' moment from the community."Gillespie announced the celebration in a Facebook post that quickly spread across the region, inviting residents to attend the surprise event. He encouraged everyone who had benefited from or admired the farm's generosity to show up "in full force" as a show of gratitude."They've never asked for recognition, but what they did for this community deserves to be seen and celebrated," he said.He also noted that while the award is an official state recognition, its meaning runs much deeper. Gillespie said he hopes it sends a message to every person who pitched in during the aftermath of Helene."I hope it reminds people that what they did mattered, every meal delivered, every donation made, every time someone checked on a neighbor," he said. "Fenders Farm is just one example of the kind of heart this community showed."As Fender's Farm continues to rebuild, Gillespie said the best way to support them now is through participation and presence. He encouraged residents to visit the farm for fall festivities, school trips and family events — the same way they always have."The best way to support them is simple, show up," he said. "Go visit the farm, buy your pumpkins there, bring your family out for their events. They've given so much to the community, now it's our turn to give back by helping them rebuild and keep doing what they love."He added that community support doesn't always have to come in the form of money or material donations."Supporting them isn't just about money; it's about reminding them they're not alone," Gillespie said. "The same way they were there for everyone else, we can be there for them."The surprise presentation was held at Fenders Farm, with neighbors, volunteers and local officials in attendance. For a family that has spent years opening their gates to others, Gillespie said it's finally time for the community to return the favor.