"I don't need any publicity or attention for my work," Collegedale businessman Franklin Farrow said when asked about his philanthropy work.
But The Samaritan Center, where Farrow has given his time and money for more than 25 years, disagrees. Colleagues at the center nominated Farrow for the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, which he received at the end of November for his dedicated work.
"I used to just ride around in a truck and pick up donations for them," Farrow said. "You don't have to be Bill Gates or Warren Buffett - every little thing, every little bit of support helps."
Never did he imagine he would become a driving supporter and eventually end up aiding in the center's more than $3.1 million renovation, which is being completely funded through private supporters of the center.
It was a mentor who helped Farrow get his first job and first prompted Farrow to focus on philanthropy. After graduating from Southern Adventist University with a degree in business, Farrow was encouraged to join Collegedale committees benefiting the university, and his involvement grew quickly from there.
"I think some people think philanthropy means you have to write a big check, and that just isn't true," he said. "I like to find a balance of financial engagement and time. I think there has to be a balance between those two. Sometimes money matters more and sometimes your time makes more of a difference."
Farrow said he has also learned how to combine his charity work with the business he co-founded, Independent Healthcare Properties. He uses his corporate financial success to help provide scholarships for nursing students, fund studies on how to improve senior citizen care, and more.
Most importantly, Farrow said, he hopes to instill the importance of service and community involvement in his two teenage children.
"With two young kids, it's about engaging them. I want to pass on to them the value of working in the community and finding ways to make a difference," he said.
Farrow credits Collegedale, Chattanooga and his mentors along the way with his success in both business and community involvement.
"Chattanooga is a wonderful community to be an entrepreneur in and be given a chance to do something," he said. "There are great organizations and great boards with great causes. It's a great combination to support new business and then find ways to help encourage them to give back in return."
Rather than focus on his success, Farrow said he would rather encourage others to get involved in whatever way possible.
"Start small. Do something with someone you already have a relationship with and go from there. You never know where it will take you," he said.