Monroe Carell Jr. talks with Minta Martin, who suffers from cerebral palsy, at Monday’s event where he was named Nashvillian of the Year. (photo by Mary Donaldson)
Carell named Nashvillian of Year
Easter Seals of Nashville honored Monroe Carell Jr. Monday evening as its Nashvillian of the Year.
He was recognized for his numerous philanthropic efforts, especially his generosity in giving to the hospital that bears his name — the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Carell, who was joined at the presentation event by past winners Mike Curb, Orrin Ingram and Gov. Phil Bredesen, paid special attention to a little girl who attended the reception, 6-year-old Minta Martin, who suffers from cerebral palsy.
Carell said children have always been the reason he and his wife, Ann, choose to give.
“It starts small, just $5 here and there, and then it grows, $100, $1,000 and before long it just wraps you up,” Carell said.
Carell, former chair of Central Parking Corp., donated $25 million to Children's Hospital before the new building opened in 2004, and has since taken part in efforts to raise more than $1 billion for Vanderbilt University.
Currently he is working with his daughter, Julia, to raise funds for an expansion to Children's Hospital.