Grant Law said he was just a stand-in for the weather-predicting "Chattanooga Chuck" on Groundhog Day, but the community leader still was honored to accept the Kiwanis Club's 2010 Distinguished Service Award.
"I accept this honor, in all humility, realizing that I am merely one person who represents a far larger legion from all sectors who serve our community so well," Mr. Grant told the crowd of more than 100 guests during Tuesday's luncheon at the Sheraton Read House.
"Although I am embarrassed by all of the fuss over this Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award, I am deeply honored and appreciate the fuss, despite my innately private nature," Mr. Law said.
The award, which 89 people have received since it first was given in 1922, recognizes the very "best and brightest" of the area, said Hugh Prevost, a selection committee member who introduced Mr. Law.
"(They are) those who have dedicated their lives to make Chattanooga and the surrounding area the wonderful place it is today," he said. "(Mr. Law) is a true servant leader."
Despite all of Mr. Law's work in the community for more than 30 years -- including service as chairman of the Community Foundation and sitting on the boards of the Metropolitan YMCA and the Public Education Foundation -- there's still "much important and unfinished work to do," he said.
"I look forward to working with and for the emerging, younger leaders," he said. "I foresee a very bright future for Chattanooga with the wonderful young leadership coming along."
ABOUT GRANT LAW
* Born in Chattanooga in 1946
* Graduate of McCallie School
* Bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University
* Graduate study at the University of North Carolina
* Served three years in the U.S. Navy
* Went to work full time in the family automobile dealership in 1973
* Has two sons with his wife Barbara and lives on Lookout Mountain
Source: Times Free Press archives
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
* Serves on the executive committee of United Way of Greater Chattanooga
* Chairman of the Community Foundation
* Sits on the boards of the Metropolitan YMCA, Memorial Health Care System, Public Education Foundation, UC Foundation, Allied Arts and Tennessee River Gorge Trust
* Has been chairman of annual campaigns for Allied Arts, the United Way and the Chattanooga Community Kitchen's Fast Day
* Past president of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga and past treasurer of Hospice of Chattanooga
Source: Times Free Press archives