Hey Earl Roast Raises Thousands Of Dollars For Prison Prevention Ministries

Some 250 friends and the family of retired Chattanooga broadcaster Earl Freudenberg attended the Hey Earl Benefit Roast Tuesday night at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center.

Prison Prevention Ministries Executive Director Joe Smith said after the event that thousands of dollars were raised for the organization started 45 years ago by the late LTC Roger Ingvalson. The Vietnam Veteran and Air Force Pilot was a Prisoner of War for five years and when the soldier came home from Southeast Asia he said he wanted to do something positive with a Christ-centered emphasis to help sincere prisoners transition back into society.

Part of the money contributed will go to a relatively new program N–Zone. Teachers recommend school age children who are having difficulties and they receive free tutoring from volunteers in a donated remodeled facility at ABBA’s house in Hixson.

Chairman Joe Smith recognized Gertrell Watkins who has worked with the organization for 30 years and is retiring. Mr. Smith said Mr. Watkins is not only a colleague but a living example of love and kindness. Mr. Smith said Mr. Watkins started N-Zone, which serves 86 schools in Tennessee and Georgia.

TV anchorman David Carroll served as master of ceremonies. Mr. Carroll is the author of four books and just completed 50 years in broadcasting. Mr. Carroll is a longtime friend of Mr. Freudenberg.

Hamilton County Chaplain Jones opened the evening with a prayer for those attending and roasting the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame inductee. Chaplain Audrey Jones said PPM has an excellent success rate and said volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

Mr. Pike played the recording “Make Someone Happy” by Jimmy Durante and said the lyrics fit Earl Freudenberg to a “T”. “He’s been making people happy all his life.”

Roasters were Amy Freudenberg Dover, Earl’s daughter, who shared some life-long little known experiences about her dad. Also roasting was retired WDEF radio broadcast executive Ben Cagle; retired Congressional executive Helen Hardin, one of Mr. Freudenberg’s first employees; Hamilton County Trustee Bill Hullander, who has known Mr. Freudenberg since opening his first store in 1977; Chattanooga Funeral Home Vice President Stephen Pike; and the Honorable Russell Bean who recently retired as city court judge.

Mr. Cagle said, “Earl always introduced me as the one who signed Luther’s checks, he seems to forget my name.” The two graduated from Kirkman High School together in 1965 and can be seen frequently eating breakfast at Wally’s with other broadcasters. Mr. Cagle said, “Earl’s daughter, Amy stole the show/ Amy is the best and she loves her father; her love for Earl really shined tonight.”

Mr. Pike said, “Earl is a longtime friend of Chattanooga Funeral Home, and Prison Prevention Ministries is doing something positive to help those struggling, that’s why I support it.”

Judge Bean traced the roots of part of Mr. Freudenberg’s family saying they are all “lifelong Chattanoogans.” He said, “Prison Prevention Ministries works and that was why I’m here this evening.”

Hey Earl, as he is known, praised the organization for its work in the community. He said, “I am very impressed with the nearly a dozen young students of N–Zone dressed up in ties and white shirts who served as our ushers for the evening. Chattanooga is a giving community and I encourage everyone to support this ministry dedicated to helping change lives through Jesus Christ.”

During the evening Mr. Freudenberg went from table to table visiting with the guests, calling a lot of them by their first names. One table was members of the Calvary Bible Church where he attends.

Retired Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond, who appeared on Mr. Freudenberg’s talk shows nearly 40 times, gave the invitation to give to Prison Fellowship Ministries. The former sheriff said, “I’ve seen how it works and fully support Prison Prevention Ministries. I encourage my friends to also.”

Retired Hamilton County Judge Clearance Shattuck gave closing remarks and the benediction reminding the audience of the importance of helping those behind bars. Judge Shattuck said he was impressed with the N–Zone program working with students who need help.

Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman said he came to see Mr. Freudenberg roasted and share a few laughs. “He’s been a friend of the Steelman family since my dad (Dr. Fred Steelman) came to Chattanooga in the 1970’s as Red Bank Baptist Church pastor and I support Prison Prevention Ministries.”

Chattanooga musician Eddie Hixson and his wife Shelia said they came to see Mr. Freudenberg’s face turn red. Mrs. Hixson worked with Mr. Freudenberg at WDOD and said, “I just want to hear the real truth about my old broadcasting friend.”

Director Smith said after the fun filled evening, “As I pillow my head tonight in praising God for my friend and role model Earl Freudenberg, what a wonderful experience and we raised a lot of funds to help a lot of hurting children and families. Thank you Jesus for inserting Earl into my life, Mr. Joe.” Mr. Smith thanked all the roast volunteers, especially Patsy Henry and Kathy Holloway, “We couldn’t have done it without them.”

One of those in the audience was noted Chattanooga educator Edna Varner who said, “I came to support Hey Earl, who has been a friend to my family (her parents Dr. Andrew and School Patrol Chief Peggie Bullard) for years through the forgotten child fund.”

At the conclusion, Mr. Carroll sold copies of his books giving half the money to Prison Prevention Ministries. Mr. Smith said, “We appreciate David Carroll so much, he is a very generous man and has been a solid supporter of our work through the years. You can’t beat Mr. Carroll’s humor.”

Mr. Smith said all gifts associated with the roast will be doubled by a generous anonymous donor.

Director Smith and his wife are foster parents and have raised over 20 children. He also serves on the Hamilton County School Board.

Many of Mr. Freudenberg’s broadcasting friends were in attendance including retired WDEF TV program director Doris Ellis, newly named Tennessee radio hall of fame member Johnny Eagle, Rick Govan, and Rich Phillips. Also present was Mr. Freudenberg’s pastor, Dr. Bill Henry.

One of Earl’s special friends in attendance was Brad Walker, director of the famous Les Elgart Orchestra. The Elgart band travels around the country doing about 100 engagements a year. The Elgart band is known for playing the theme song (Bandstand Boogie) for American Bandstand hosted by the late Dick Clark. Mr. Walker said he loves Chattanooga was honored to attend the event.

Prison Prevention Ministries mission state, “Preventing inmates from returning to prison and Preventing youth from going to prison, through a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his Gospel.”

Mr. Freudenberg retired from broadcasting in 2016 but works part time at the Chattanooga Funeral Home. “Each and every person here tonight is very, very special and I appreciate their friendship.”

Jim Sadler, Chattanooga Funeral Home Associate said, “I just wanted to hear the real truth about my friend of over 50 years, I really didn’t referee mud wrestling like Earl said.”