THE CHICO AWARD

Each year, the Tiny But Mighty Fund organizers recognize an outstanding individual who contributes to the welfare, brings awareness, assists in the prevention of animal cruelty, and/or raises funds for animals in our community with the Chico Award. This honoree is recognized with an award and an opportunity to donate $1,000 to an animal welfare/rights 501c3 organization of their choice. 

2021
AGAPE RESCUE + TRAINING

Agape Animal Rescue & Training Center is dedicated to finding forever families for abandoned and displaced dogs through our signature foster and adoption program while cultivating better communities through dog training, owner education and outreach programs.

"Agape Animal Rescue is honored to be the recipient of this year's Chico Award. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Middle Tennessee community for the past 17 years and these funds will help us continue to meet our mission -- in Chico's memory -- to find forever families for abandoned and displaced dogs through our signature foster and adoption programs while cultivating better communities through dog training, owner education and outreach programs."
- Tanya Willis, Executive Director

2020
PROVERBS 12:10 ANIMAL RESCUE

Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, a 501c3 charitable organization based in Middle Tennessee, is run primarily by volunteers. Proverbs is totally dedicated to all animals they rescue. All medical care, regardless of cost, is provided as is training when necessary. A cradle to grave dedication is established by the care provided to neonates all the way to seniors who may need hospice care. Every animal rescued is cared for like a cherished family pet.

"Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue is honored to be receiving this award. We save and place over a thousand animals each year nationwide and we're thankful that our community plays a part in helping rescued animals. Advocating for "His Helpless" and being a voice for the voiceless is possible for us because of help that Tiny But Mighty provides."

2019
HUNTER HAYES

Hunter Hayes is a multi-platinum selling recording artist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Proficient at more than thirty instruments, Hayes has achieved nearly 2 billion on-demand career streams globally along with six gold and platinum-certified singles including his massive 5x multi-platinum crossover hit “Wanted.” With an astounding 50+ award-nominations and wins, including five GRAMMY© nominations, Hayes is showing no signs of slowing down having just released the brand new album Wild Blue (Part I).

“I never could have guessed the massive role my two dogs would play in my life. I am so lucky for Cole and Ella to have rescued me and I am honored to be considered for this award. A massive thank you to the Tiny But Mighty Fund and NAshville Humane Association for their advocation for adoption and finding forever homes for the animals that need it.”

2018
THE GENTLE BARN

We are pleased to announce that the honorees of the 2018 Chico Award are Ellie Laks and Jay Wiener of The Gentle Barn. The Gentle Barn rescues, rehabilitates and gives sanctuary to severely abused animals. The animals then teach kindness, compassion and confidence to others.

"We’re so grateful for the Tiny But Mighty fund for your contribution to support The Gentle Barn and more specifically our baby goat Lolli’s prosthetics so she can walk again. Receiving this award means a lot to us because it makes us feel seen by the Nashville community for the work we do for animals and children."

- Ellie Laks and Jay Weiner of The Gentle Barn

2017
RYAN ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION

We are pleased to announce that the honorees of the 2017 Chico Award are Logan & Ashley Ryan of the Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation. This organization partners with animal welfare organizations around the world promoting adoption and offering grants and educational opportunities to better the lives of animals. RARF's founding program, Ryan's Monthly Rescue, uses founder Logan Ryan's status as an NFL player to promote difficult-to-adopt dogs on social media. RARF also provides monetary grants to areas of animal welfare that are often overlooked, such as training and behavior modification for shelter dogs. 

"The Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation is honored that our founders, Logan & Ashley Ryan, are the recipients of the 2017 Chico Award. We would like to thank the Tiny But Mighty Fund for recognizing the work Logan and Ashley have done to improve the lives of displaced animals throughout the country. This grant will help our organization in our efforts to promote adoption and help improve the adoptability of shelter dogs. We will continue to work with the Tiny But Mighty Fund in their efforts to celebrate the unbreakable bond between pets and their humans!" 

– Logan & Ashley Ryan, Founders of Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation

2016
Bonaparte's Retreat Dog Rescue

"I am honored to be the second recipient of the Chico Award, but also deeply grateful to the Tiny But Mighty Fund for celebrating the unbreakable bonds between animals and their companions." – Emmylou Harris, Founder of Bonaparte's Retreat Dog Rescue

"Everyone at Crossroads Campus is delighted that the Tiny But Mighty Fund is recognizing our founding board member, Emmylou Harris, for all she has done to make life better for homeless animals in our community, and we are very grateful for the grant from the Tiny But Mighty Fund which will support our pet adoption and humane education programs! We join the Tiny But Mighty Fund in celebrating the unbreakable bond between people and their pets!"

 - Lisa Stetar, Executive Director of Crossroads Campus

2015

"Pet adoption not only saves the lives of dogs and cats, but also helps to enrich the lives of those who adopt. As the parent of two rescue dogs, Hank and Boris, I’m extraordinarily grateful for the efforts of the Tiny But Mighty Fund to help find loving homes for dogs throughout Nashville.” 

- Megan Barry, former Mayor of Nashville