Bill Freeman, chairman of Freeman Webb, Inc., donates $100,000, marking it as the largest gift to Conexión Américas from an individual donor.
NASHVILLE – (Sept. 3, 2013) Bill Freeman, chairman of Freeman Webb, Inc., a real estate investment, management and brokerage company, has donated $100,000 to the ongoing capital campaign for Casa Azafrán, the nonprofit collaborative founded by Conexión Américas in 2012.
The gift becomes the largest donation by an individual made to Conexión Américas, an 11-year-old Hispanic services nonprofit in Middle Tennessee. The original gift was $75,000, but Freeman made a surprise announcement during the check presentation at Casa Azafrán the gift would be $100,000.
“I have watched Conexión Américas become a vital organization in our community, helping fully integrate new arrivals to Middle Tennessee with a wide range of important services,’’ said Bill Freeman. “America, and especially Nashville, has been a welcoming place for immigrants and Casa Azafrán makes that important transition — from immigrant to citizen — happen smoothly and easily.”
“Helping our community’s new residents brings them into our workforce, gives them a place to belong and call home. And, creating a welcoming space for all Nashvillians, as Casa Azafrán has, is unique and worthy of great support,’’ Freeman added. “That is why I stepped up to help this important and growing organization. It is an honor to stand with the leaders of Conexión Américas and Casa Azafrán, and they can count on me going forward.”
Casa Azafrán, a $5.4 million center on Nolensville Pike, is home to organizations that serve immigrants, refugees and the Nashville community as a whole with English classes, health and legal services, the arts, advocacy and the commercial kitchen, Mesa Komal, for food entrepreneurs.
Renata Soto, executive director of Conexión Américas, said of Freeman’s donation:
“We are extremely grateful for Bill Freeman’s support of Casa Azafrán, the work that is done here and the many people of diverse backgrounds who walk through our doors each day,’’ Soto said. “His gift is an example of the generosity that exists in Nashville and the impact individuals and organizations can have in a community when they work together toward a common goal.”
“Mr. Freeman’s generous financial gift is an important milestone for Conexión Américas, not only for its size but also for the symbolism it carries coming from a native Nashvillian whose family has called this city home for many generations.”
About Bill Freeman
Bill Freeman is a native Nashvillian who began his career in real estate as a teen-ager. He co-founded Freeman Webb, Inc. at the age of 28. A member of various boards such as the Nashville Board of Realtors, he has chaired or served on numerous board committees throughout his career. A strong supporter of charitable and community organizations, Freeman has served on the boards of the Tennessee State University Foundation, the Nashville Area YMCA, the Nashville Public Television Council and Children’s House. Freeman recently served as the Director of Finance for the Tennessee Democratic Party and serves on the Board of the Nashville State Community College Foundation. Freeman and his wife, Babs Tinsley Freeman, live in Nashville. For more information: freemanwebb.com.
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