Michael McGauley with wife, Stormy. Click to enlarge.
Michael McGauley has become the 16th recipient of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust’s Adele Hampton Life Achievement Award for Conservation. Ms. Hampton received the first Tennessee River Gorge Trust Founder’s Award in 1995, which was eventually named for her and the long-lasting legacy that she has left through her passionate work for land conservation.
Trust Executive Director Jim Brown said, “Like previous recipients of this award, Mike has dedicated himself to the enhancement of his community and especially the conservation of its environment. He has made significant contributions toward the preservation of the Tennessee River Gorge as a Board Member of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust and as a supporter and booster. Mike is one of those key individuals who no successful effort can do without. We are blessed by his advice and support and thankful for all his efforts on the Trust’s behalf."
Michael McGauley served on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust from 1997-2002, during which time he conceived the idea for “Bargin’ for the Gorge.” In cooperation with TVA and their Red Wagner crew, this annual dinner cruise on a TVA barge was held for nine consecutive years and netted over $635,000 for the Tennessee River Gorge Trust. More recently, Mr. McGauley and his wife, Stormy, who currently serves on the TRGT Board of Directors, began the local RiverRocks festival, which takes place during the first two weeks of October.
Together, this couple thrives on their passion for healthy living, engaging people in outdoor activity and educating people about what local conservation organizations are doing to improve the region now and for the future. Their contributions are appreciated by the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, a local land trust that is celebrating 30 years of success in preserving Tennessee’s Grand Canyon, which begins at Williams Island near Baylor School and travels 27 river miles to Hales Bar Dam Marina. To date, more than 17,500 of the 27,000 acre Gorge have been preserved.
Dozens of family, friends, and community supporters came together to honor Mr. McGauley at Suite 300, a venue located above Table 2 Restaurant in downtown Chattanooga. Guests were in awe of the beautiful décor and the wonderful food provided by Table 2, officials said.
“Receiving the Adele Hampton Lifetime Achievement Award is not only a special honor for me, but an opportunity to recognize everyone who believed in my vision and contributed greatly to the fulfillment of its promise,” said Mr. McGauley.
The Adele Hampton Life Achievement Award for Conservation is given in appreciation to those individuals who, in the spirit of the Founders of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, have worked to preserve and protect the Tennessee River Gorge for the benefit of our community and generations to come. Past recipients include Hale Booth (2010), T.O. Helton (2008), W. Alan Nichols (2007), Norma P. “Butch” Mills (2006), Richard Park (2004), Bill Holmberg (2003), Don Jensen (2002), Nancy Evans (2001), Dudley Porter (2000), Fred Robinson (1999), Gladys Smith Mynatt (1999), William G. Raoul (1997), Mary Navarre Moore (1997), Sam Powell (1996), Adele Hampton (1995).