So many people have stepped up in the wake of the tornadoes in early March and the ongoing COVID-19 spread that there really isn't any way to list all the generous gifts of time, money and supplies. The handful of mentions below are literally just a fraction of the examples of the generosity of spirit that makes Middle Tennessee such a special place.

Gratitunes launched on March 30, National Doctor's Day. Music Row and Nashville's creative community have come together on a consumer-generated music platform to send out songs of thanks to healthcare workers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in a uniquely Nashville way. Brad Paisley kicked off the program, featuring the first dedicated Gratitune on his Instagram. Amy Grant, Jewel, Dustin Lynch, Sara Evans, Lauren Aliana and Walker Hayes are just a few of the other artists participating. Donations earmarked for medical supplies are also being accepted. For more info, go to Gratitunes.com.

Nashville-based Online Health and PopHealthCare, together with their parent company GuideWell, announced an initial investment of $50,000 for urgent health and safety needs in communities across the Nashville area in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Generous, a Nashville-based online giving platform, and NewsChannel 5 announced a partnership to raise funds to support those in Middle Tennessee who are most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

First Horizon Foundation made a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross to aid in tornado recovery. And, the foundation will match public donations up to an additional $25,000 made through an online link found on our website under 'Tornado Response' or at bit.ly/NMNTornadoUpdate. The Tennessee Titans not only donated $1 million to tornado relief efforts but also donated $50,000 to the Metro COVID-19 Response Fund and held a community drive for medical supplies to assists providers.

Speaking of the COVID-19 Response Fund, this new charitable arm created expressly to answer need in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic, is housed under the United Way umbrella and was formed in conjunction with the Mayor's Office. The fund is chaired by Sen. Bill Frist, MD, founder of NashvilleHealth, and includes a board with strong representation from Nashville's healthcare community. The initial focus of the fund is to assist those who have lost wages or become ill during the pandemic accessible through nonprofits and faith-based organizations stepping up to meet these needs. For more information, go to nashvilleresponsefund.com.