Brad Paisley: Audio excerpts from Paisley and his wife, Kimberly, on the recent groundbreaking ceremony for The Store (Audio)
(l-r): Gina Hancock, Megan Zarling, Dr. Bob Fisher, Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, David Minnigan
Earlier this month, the highly anticipated groundbreaking for The Store, nonprofit free-referral based grocery store, took place. On hand for the ceremony were co-founders Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley along with Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher, The Store Board of Trustees Chair Megan Zarling and The Store Trustee member and architect David Minnigan.
In addition to outlining the vision for The Store, today’s event included unique surprises, including a commissioned artist’s print depicting Brad, Kimberly and Dr. Fisher in front of a rendering of The Store. The highlight of the event came when Brad personally jumped onto the backhoe on site to officially break ground on The Store’s location.
The Paisleys have partnered with Brad’s alma mater, Belmont University, on the location of The Store at 2005 12th Ave. South, next to the University’s Ministry Center. Belmont University has begun offering Legal Aid Clinics at the center and plan to also offer healthcare services. Both groups will work closely together to serve the broader community in a range of ways. The location is convenient to bus routes and in the heart of Nashville’s ever-growing 12 South district.
About The Store
Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley have partnered with Belmont University to spearhead The Store, a year-round free grocerystore allowing people to shop with dignity for their basic needs. Individuals and families will be referred by nonprofit and government agencies for a term of one year. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency.
A philosophy of community empowerment means The Store aims to solve hunger issues in its community by developing programs to meet the needs of the community, including partnering with other organizations on issues of food security. The Store believes in cooperation and collaboration between organizations to better serve the population. Over time, the organization plans to develop additional supplemental services beyond the grocery store, such as job training, cooking and nutrition classes.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheStoreNashville/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheStoreNash
Instagram: thestore_nashville — https://www.instagram.com/thestore_nashville/
Link to The Store logo and building rendering: HERE
Link to The Store groundbreaking photo gallery: HERE
Link to The Store groundbreaking b-roll video: HERE