Tracy Lawrence has a special place in his heart for the homeless and the hungry in and around Middle Tennessee, which is why he donated to charities helping those members of the population, as part of Giving Tuesday. The Texas native gave $10,000 to six charities supporting those without homes and in need of food, including Safe Haven, People Loving Nashville, Shower Up, The Laundry Stop, Brooks House, and Open Table.

“While we were able to reach new records at the Turkey Fry last week, we realize there is a growing need around Middle Tennessee that continues to need our support,” Lawrence shared. “We’re thankful for all our supporters that make it possible for us to lend a hand to multiple organizations.”

Lawrence set a new record with this year’s Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert, raising a staggering $250,000, and providing 9600 meals through 1200 turkeys fried.

“To step back and think about how this started as just a few friends and a dozen fryers in a parking lot — to what it is now — is truly incredible,” Lawrence says of the event. “There are so many people that go into this event and I’m just so grateful we can all come together and support this cause.”

When Lawrence began his Mission:Possible Turkey Fry, which just celebrated its 17th year he never imagined it would grow into the massive effort that it has become, with the proceeds benefiting the Nashville Rescue Mission.

“Years ago, when we started this thing, it was done just as a grassroots awareness campaign,” Lawrence tells Everything Nash. “I had no intentions of this thing growing into what it was. It was not my vision. I just saw people in need standing on the street corners that needed help, and I saw the distaste that people had for it. And I thought there might be a way that we can help change the public perception a little bit, and make people realize that, that there are a lot of different reasons that people fall on homelessness.”

Lawrence understands that many people have an intense dislike for the homeless and those in need asking for help, which is exactly why it has become a cause he is passionate about.

“It gets demonized,” Lawrence concedes. “People look at it with distaste in their mouth a lot of times, and for good reason. A lot of people, they’re users, they’re lazy. They don’t want to go to work, but there are some people that really just need an opportunity to get it up and then back up. My philosophy has always been, if you can just save that one, then it’s worth it all.”

To find out more information, or to make a donation, visit tlmissionpossible.com.