On what would have been his 56th birthday, Donelson leaders are honoring a man who helped guide the community toward growth and never turned down an opportunity to help a neighbor.
Frank Trew, best known as a founder of Hip Donelson, unexpectedly died last August. But area leaders said his legacy will never be forgotten.
"Service before self is a common phrase and Frank embodied that," said district 15 council member Jeff Syracuse. "Whenever you see a neighbor doing something simple for someone else, that's what Frank was all about."
Trew helped take Hip Donelson from a Facebook group to a 501(c) organization that now gives back to local non-profits and people in need. He mentored young people, serve on countless boards and organizations and led Donelson toward growth.
He also launched the Donelson Farmer's Market, which continues to grow each season.
"You start driving through Donelson and you see new businesses opening up and taking a chance on us," Syracuse said. "There's a lot of confidence in where we're heading and Frank was a huge part in building us up."
Last April, Hip Donelson held a day of service in Trew's honor. The group hopes to make it an annual event.
But today, on Trew's birthday, they're asking his community to honor his legacy by doing something kind for a neighbor.
"His spirit is here and people always talk about him," Syracuse said. "He'll never be forgotten."
