Rutherford County Habitat Board President Norman Brown welcomed the guests to the First Annual Leave A Legacy Breakfast that was held Friday morning at the Stones River Country Club. Habitat raised over $14,000 with their first breakfast.

Past Board President Dan Johnson announced that the Beth Smith Legacy Award has been created to honor those who are keeping her dream alive.

Johnson said, "Beth inspired and touched the lives of so many through the local habitat program for 12-years. During her period of leadership, she helped 82 family realize the dream of home ownership."

In fact, a video tribute to Smith was seen by those in attendance. It included Beth sharing her words of encouragement in a 2012 interview on WGNS. At that time, she was battling cancer for the fifth time . . .

The non-profit's executive director passed away May 31, 2014.

With the unveiling of the award, Johnson announced that there would be two recipients for 2015. The first was Richard Smith, husband of the late Habitat leader. The other recognition went to the local group's Co-Founder, Past President and Former Board Member Jack Goodrich. Goodrich died at the age of 91 on February 25, 2014. His son Jack, who is now also involved in Habitat, accepted the honor for his dad.

Several Habitat home-owners shared their stories on how the program not only allowed them to realize home ownership, but it gave them knowledge that has turned many lives around. Every speaker stressed that Habitat for Humanity does not give away homes; it allows qualifying individuals to be accepted for a non-interest bearing loan and pay for the home over a period of time.

If you would like to learn more about the Rutherford County Area Habitat for Humanity, call them at 615-890-5877 or visit them at 850 Mercury Boulevard (Murfreesboro 37129).