Originally a native of Kentucky, it should come as no surprise that Lori Collins has a love of horses.

But it did come as a surprise to Lori when she was named the West Tennessee recipient of the Jefferson Award – which recognizes ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition – during a luncheon sponsored by Leaders Credit Union at the Jackson Country Club, Tuesday.

The Jefferson Awards Foundation was founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert Taft Jr., and Sam Beard.

Lori took on the task of caring for animals when she founded Redemption Road Rescue in 2009, and in June, she will make her way to Washington, D.C., with an opportunity to capture the Jefferson Foundation’s national award.

“I’m shocked, I’m absolutely shocked, I never expected to hear my name,” Lori said. “All of these people who are part of this are just so worthy – I’m humbled, humbled they chose me.”

Lori joined Rickey Alexander, David Brumley, Christie Pennington, Linley White, Norwood Jones, Jeff Wall, Bruce Hussey and Glorious Damron as nominees for the West Tennessee award.

“At Redemption Road, we are considered an equine rescue, but we rescue all kind of animals,” Lori said. “But the most important thing we do is help people. At the end of the day, it really is to help people, and there are people who are in love with their animals, and sometimes they need that extra help.

“They go through hard times, they go through sicknesses and financial difficulties. It’s just as much about people as it is about the animals.”

(PHOTO: West Tennessee nominees for the Jefferson Awards Foundation are pictured following a luncheon at the Jackson Country Club, Tuesday)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalk1015/