This is the sixth year the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders will participate in the Tracy Lawrence “Mission Possible” Turkey Fry and Nashville Rescue Mission’s Great Thanksgiving Banquet. It’s so much fun that even alumni cheerleaders return year after year. It’s wonderful to see so many people in the community come together to help those in need.
For most of the squad members, serving at the Nashville Rescue Mission over the Thanksgiving holiday is something we look forward to all year long. Considering we spend so much time in the public eye, we are used to people catering to us. However, when we serve at the Mission, it is a chance for us to turn things around. Instead of us being waited on, we have the chance to wait on someone who might otherwise never have someone carry their tray, or bring them a cold glass of iced tea. It is an incredibly rewarding experience.
On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, a lot of the squad heads to the Mission’s parking lot to help with the Tracy Lawrence Turkey Fry. It’s a lot of fun and there is so much excitement surrounding the event since celebrities help fry up the turkeys. It is a great feeling to know what we are doing is going to help feed people who are hungry and under different circumstances might not have a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving.
“There’s something magical about giving to someone else without expecting anything in return.”
For those on the squad coming to the Mission for the first time, it’s definitely an eye-opening experience. Most people know the Mission serves food to the homeless, but what they don’t know is there is an amazing life-recovery program for those battling personal issues or struggling with addiction. One of the highlights during the Banquet is sharing in the excitement of graduation for the men and women who have just completed the Program. Many of these men and women are reunited with their families and it’s a joy to see how happy they are sharing a meal together.
Serving at the Mission makes each of us thankful for the blessings we’ve been given. It’s a win-win situation. The guests receive a fabulous meal. They are treated with kindness and waited on by volunteers. Yet, it is in the giving of our time and serving people in need, those who volunteer discover just how blessed we are.
The Nashville Rescue Mission is a great organization. They are doing some amazing things to help people in need. It is an honor for us to participate in these events. If you have never volunteered at the Mission, you really should. Experiencing the joy of seeing someone else receive is truly a gift.
The Titans Cheerleaders are a 26-member team of dancers who cheer for the Tennessee Titans on game day and represent the organization in the Nashville community as well as at events across the country.