KNOXVILLE – When Alexandra Roddy considered how she could effect change in honor of her late husband, Tom, three priorities came to mind: faith in Christ, youth and Knoxville.

Through a generous gift of $271,000 shared by Emerald Youth Foundation, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Young Life, Alexandra is investing in the next generation of godly leaders in greater Knoxville.

“Tom knew the biggest decision in life is to know your creator – God – and that He is the one who became a man so that we may have life and have it abundantly,” Alexandra said.

The more than a quarter million-dollar gift is being utilized as follows: Young Life – Continued funding for current staff, care and training for 200 volunteer leaders, and taking more than 400 youth and leaders to Young Life summer camp.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship – Supporting graduate students, faculty and undergraduate students at the University of Tennessee with creative approaches to ministry which expand the engagement of faith-based ministries with UT’s academic community and develops apprenticeship training for local volunteers and staff.

Emerald Youth Foundation – To further ministry efforts to raise up a large number of city youth who love Jesus and want to renew their community. Funds will help Emerald toward its goal of producing 200 promising, godly young adult leaders for Knoxville.

“The Roddy family in many ways has been a pillar in the Knoxville community. This is another example of their legacy and generosity. We are grateful for individuals like Mrs. Roddy, who care about furthering Kingdom work and continuing to raise up godly leaders in our city,” community leaders Toni and Jon Lawler said.

Born in Knoxville in 1936, Tom came to know the Lord at age 16 during a Billy Graham Crusade in Chattanooga and was discipled by men who taught him scripture and how to grow in his faith.

Following graduation from Baylor School, he attended the University of Tennessee where he was active as a Young Life leader and regularly participated in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Both ministries deeply impacted his life.

Tom and Alexandra married in 1958, and he followed his call to ministry earning his doctorate from Columbia Theological Seminary. He was ordained by the Presbyterian Church USA, served as a missionary in Brazil from 1966-1969, and was an associate pastor at North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. In the early 1990s, Tom founded The Atlanta Resource Foundation, which fulfilled his vision for people of lesser and greater means to work and grow together.

“It was so important to Tom that others would come to know Christ and have people in their lives to help them know God’s love and care. He would be very happy with this gift,” Alexandra said.

Tom died in 2017, yet through generous philanthropy, his legacy continues to make a difference in countless lives.

“This is an instrumental investment in Knoxville’s young people from Mrs. Roddy. Our city is a place where the community loves children deeply and individuals are willing to invest in their future,” said Emerald Youth Foundation President and CEO Steve Diggs. “We appreciate Mrs. Roddy’s continued generosity, heart for children and fervent prayers."