The Shinn Foundation, located in Franklin, Tn. announced on Jan. 15 a $1 million commitment to Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes’ foster care program. One of these homes is on Lee Hwy. in Chattanooga. George and Denise Shinn presented a check to president/treasurer Dr. Bryant Millsaps and president-elect Greg McCoy, promising that this commitment was only the beginning of their involvement with TBCH.
In honor of their support, the TBCH foster care program will be renamed the Denise and George Shinn Foster Care Program.
George Shinn is the former and founding owner of the NBA basketball team the Charlotte / New Orleans Hornets. After selling the team and moving to Franklin, he looked for a way to “give back” to the community. He learned of TBCH through his pastor at West Franklin Baptist Church and after visiting a TBCH campus, said he decided to make a “business decision and a heart decision” to help the TBCH ministry.
Tennessee Baptist Convention Executive Director Randy C. Davis opened the ceremony in prayer, saying “We’re very thankful that God has supplied this generous gift to Great Commission work in Tennessee through the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes.”
"TBCH’s foster care program is already placing children in safe, Christ-centered homes across the state," said Mr. Davis. "The Shinn’s gift will accelerate and enhance our work with children in foster care.”
The Shinns’ gift joins the over $811,000 that has already been committed towards reaching TBCH’s $5.2 million fund-raising IMPACT campaign goal.
Dr. Millsaps thanked the Shinns, "on behalf of the hundreds of TBCH workers over the past 124 years, from founder Georgia Eastman up to today; and on behalf of all the children in our care, and those who have yet to be born who will be positively affected by this gift."