WSMV Channel 4 American Diabetes Association Father of the Year Awards

NASHVILLE (WSMV) - Five Nashville business men were honored at the ninth annual Father of the Year awards dinner Thursday night. 

The event held at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel Nashville benefited the American Diabetes Association.

The men who were awarded Father of the Year were:

Jim Bradford of Nashville who is the dean and Ralph Owen Professor for the Practice of Management at Vanderbilt University.

Howard Gentry Jr of Nashville who is the CEO of the Nashville Chamber Public Benefit Foundation.

Ed Hardy of Brentwood who is the President of the Great American Country TV Network.

Gif Thornton of Nashville of is the chairman of Adams and Reese LLP.

Robert Tuke of Nashville who is a partner of Trauger & Tuke.

These fathers demonstrated the ability to balance their personal and professional lives while serving as outstanding role models in their respective communities.

Channel 4's Nancy Van Camp was the emcee of the event.

There was a silent auction that benefited a child's game.  Items that were sold included a guitar signed by Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, a week at a timeshare at the location of the winner's choice, a Taylor Swift goodie basket, gift cards to area restaurants, two $2,000 Sprintz Furniture Store gift cards, and more.

The Father's Day Council is a select group of active community leaders from a variety of professions.

Since it began its partnership with the American Diabetes Association in 2000, the National Father's Day Council has generated more than $10 million from Father's Day awards events.