SouthEast Bank replaces Horse Haven’s inoperable work truck with a new vehicle to facilitate rescue and re-homing of neglected horses.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 1, 2021) – Lenoir City nonprofit Horse Haven is back in the saddle thanks to a surprise gift from SouthEast Bank.
The nonprofit, which rehabilitates injured and abused horses from across Tennessee, sent out an appeal for help when its 2005 model work truck rolled to an abrupt stop on the side of the highway. Its breakdown stranded a group of volunteers mid-rescue mission and left the Horse Haven team without a vehicle.
Unsure where else to turn, the team reached out to its social media followers, asking for donations to purchase a more reliable form of transportation. When SouthEast Bank’s executive management heard the story, they saw an opportunity to assist.
“As a local bank, we understand the importance of being there for our neighbors,” said Bill Thompson, CEO of SouthEast Bank. “When our executive management team learned what happened to Horse Haven’s truck, their first question was, ‘What can we do to help make them operational immediately?’ That day, the decision was made to gift Horse Haven a truck so they could immediately resume their incredible work.”
SouthEast Bank donated Horse Haven a recently purchased work truck, a 2020 Ford pickup, and also paid for the repairs to their 2005 model work truck so they would have more than one work truck to continue their mission. Horse Haven operations director Ashley Ford said she was blown away by SouthEast Bank’s concern and kindness.
“When we got the call, I almost didn’t believe it was real,” she said. “It was such a tremendous gift. We’re so grateful to SouthEast Bank for their generosity, and we’re already putting the new truck to work to care for neglected horses in our community.”
Today, Horse Haven continues its mission of preventing equine abuse in Tennessee. For more information about its initiatives and upcoming events, visit https://horsehaventn.org/.\
About SouthEast Bank
SouthEast Bank, with assets in excess of $2 billion, is headquartered in Farragut, Tennessee, and operates 14 branches throughout East and Middle Tennessee. Because it is operated by local employees who live and work alongside the people it serves, SouthEast Bank is a true community bank that uses state-of-the-art technology both inside and outside of our branches to reinvest in schools, organizations, and neighborhoods.
About Horse Haven
Horse Haven of Tennessee, Inc. was formed in 1999 by Nina Margetson to act on behalf of the neglected and abused equine in Tennessee. Since its formation, HHT has cared for more than 1,200 horses and remains the largest nonprofit equine welfare organization serving the entire state of Tennessee.
Media Contact
Ashley Slimp
Media Strategist
SouthEast Bank
aslimp@southeastbank.com
