Tom Brannon honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by Association of Fundraising Professionals Arkansas Chapter
As THV-11 Chief Meteorologist, Tom Brannon has access to one of the most powerful communication tools. He delivers the forecast with accuracy and assured confidence, helping Arkansans prepare for unpredictable weather across the state. During his tenure, an alarming pattern – student’s lack of access to nutritional foods during summer months – brought together a storm of activity that continues today.
“Arkansas Foodbank CEO Phyllis Haynes approached our morning team at THV-11 with an initial concept of collecting breakfast food items for children,” Tom remembers. He notes BJ Sams, Robyn Richardson, Kat Robinson, Theba Lolley and Kelly Tibbit were also involved in the project: Summer Cereal Drive. “Together we collected 23,000 boxes of cereal that first year. The Summer Cereal Drive is the signature community event of THV-11.” Celebrating 25 years of an incredibly effective campaign, Arkansas Foodbank Director of Community Engagement Claire Tiffin credits Tom’s ingenuity and generosity. “He recognized a critical need and used his platform to take action.” She explains that many students rely on school meal programs for consistent nutrition; breaks through the year create obstacles that this project helps eliminate. THV-11 launched a friendly competition among local businesses and schools. “Tom inspired participation through camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose. It sparked enthusiasm across the region with organizations rallying their employees, students and customers to get involved.” In 2024, the Summer Cereal Drive generated more than 576,000 breakfast items.
The Arkansas Foodbank distributes food to more than 400 agencies including food pantries, churches, hospitals, Boys & Girls Clubs and schools in 33 counties across Central and Southern Arkansas. This network creates a strategic partnership that reaches rural and urban communities. As the organization celebrates more than 40 years of service, the mission remains steadfast: to address hunger and related stigmas. The state leads the nation in food insecurity, according to the United States Department of Agriculture – the foodbank believes educating and engaging constituents is critical. Claire elaborates, “Tom’s initiative was grounded in compassion, but it succeeded because of his practical thinking, collaborative spirit and ability to bring people together.” Tom recalls a few notables throughout the years; Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care is the one business that has participated every year and lots of friendships have been forged. Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care Human Resources Director Mindy Dunn elaborates, “We have witnessed the incredible impact it’s had on children and families in need.” Tom adds, “Wanda Bateman from Pine Bluff collected the greatest number of cereal boxes, over 82,000 in 2019. She will be remembered as the ‘Cereal Queen’ and did it for the kids in Jefferson County.” THV11 President & General Manager Marty Schack reflects, “Tom’s efforts have not only resulted in critical financial and in-kind donations but also helped build a culture of giving in our state. He makes philanthropy fun and deeply human. And in doing so, he has helped ignite a movement that will continue to grow long after each campaign ends.”
Tom insists it is a team effort in the Natural State. “Philanthropy gives us all a chance to do something that makes a difference in the community. When you’re helping others, you feel like you have a purpose. From giving money, time and cereal – everyone plays a significant role. It’s been an honor to represent the Arkansas Foodbank these last 25 years – traveling to communities and collecting breakfast food items for families who are food insecure.”
National Philanthropy day luncheon
Thursday, November 6| Doubletree Hotel & Robinson Center
