On behalf of the Sumpter Yeaman Charitable Foundation, Bill Yeaman recently gifted Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes with a three-million dollar donation, the largest living-donor gift in the 133-year history of the organization.
BRENTWOOD — Greg McCoy’s use of the word “historic” isn’t hyperbole. It’s factual.
When Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes recently received a three-million dollar donation from Bill Yeaman as part of the Sumpter Yeaman Charitable Foundation, it marked the largest living-donor gift in the 133-year history of the organization.
“We were just amazed by this act of generosity,” said McCoy, president and treasurer of Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes. “It’s a serious, historic gift.”
The funds will be used for the TBCH’s Firm Foundations Project — an on-going initiative in which the organization is replacing its aging facilities with new campus homes for its Residential Care program.
The first phase of the Firm Foundations Project in Brentwood is expected to be completed next year. The Brentwood portion of the project has a projected cost of $21.5 million. The funding for the project comes from the sale of some of TBCH’s campus acreage, along with gifts and contributions from supporters, such as Yeaman.
“Our hope is that this gift will serve as an inspiration for others to say, ‘Hey, this is something worth investing in,’ ” McCoy said.
Yeaman first became involved in helping TBCH in 2022, when he funded a dinner party for the children and provided Christmas presents for them. Since then, Yeaman has been a faithful supporter of the ministry.
“Bill has become a good friend; someone who really cares about what we are doing,” said McCoy.
McCoy
McCoy said Yeaman is not interested in being recognized and applauded for the gift. Instead, he wants to use the gift to honor the memory of his father, Sumpter Yeaman.
McCoy said TBCH plans to do just that.
“We’re going to name the Brentwood campus in his honor,” said McCoy. “It will be called the Sumpter Yeaman Campus, and that name will be on the sign (in front of the campus) on the street in Brentwood.”
McCoy noted that the gift will help take the Firm Foundations project to an important transition. “This (gift) more or less allows us to knock out phase one and kind of gets us to the point where we can start really looking ahead to phase two.”
As part of the Firm Foundations project, TBCH is transforming all of its residential homes, statewide, to a new model that will include individual bedrooms and bathrooms for every child. Having individual bathrooms and bedrooms will provide the children with a new level of safety, McCoy said.
Sumpter Yeaman and his wife, Margaret.
“Providing a safe environment is one of our core values,” said McCoy. “Several years ago, we, as an organization, felt convicted that we needed to move to a place where we could offer individual space for these kids. It’s just so important right now because of what our culture is exposing them to very early.”
McCoy said the project includes building six new homes for the children, along with two new staff homes. After that is completed, numerous other long-range developments are also in the works.
McCoy says the plans for the future can, at times, seem daunting. But he said the recent gift was an emotional boost for all involved.
“This gift from Mr. Yeaman, in memory of his mom and dad, is just a huge encouragement and a real shot in the arm,” McCoy said.
Sumpter Yeaman Charitable Foundation medallion.
TBCH was founded in 1891 in downtown Nashville, and relocated to its current location in 1911. TBCH now operates campuses in Brentwood, Chattanooga and Millington, as well as foster care homes across the state, helping hundreds of children each year.
TBCH is a donor-supported, registered 501(c)(3) organization, operates debt-free, and does not receive any government funding. B&R — Those wishing to support TBCH can contact Bil Gardner, director of ministry advancement at bgardner@tennesseechildren.org or by calling 615-376-3163.
