Latest news with #MashackMarchMadnessVirtualFoodDrive
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘VOLunteer' Jahmai Mashack honored for work leading to 197,000 meals for those in need
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — One Tennessee Basketball player was honored Tuesday for his work and advocacy that helped provide more than 197,000 meals for people in need. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee said 'VOLunteers' in working in the warehouse got a surprise Tuesday morning when former Tennessee Guard Jahmai Mashack joined the assembly line and helped pack boxes of food. The nonprofit said Mashack 'embodies what it means to be a VOLunteer, both on and off the court.' Staffing halved at Knoxville community farm after AmeriCorps cuts Mashack was awarded Second Harvest's 2025 Advocacy Award, in honor of the positive impact he has made on East Tennesseans experiencing food insecurity since their partnership with him began. 'My teammates, family, my coaches, they all know what it means to me to be able to just do something that's bigger than ourselves… we have to use our platform for something bigger, and in my opinion, something just as important as putting the ball in the hoop,' said Mashack, 'No matter where I go, I want to be able to shine a light.' $722K in food shipments to East Tennessee food bank canceled by U.S. Department of Agriculture The award is styled as a food can, with the area of the label that usually lists nutritional information instead showing facts about Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and hunger in East Tennessee. Some of those facts include that more than 202,000 East Tennesseans experience hunger and that Second Harvest serves more than 15,000 children per week. Second Harvest Chief Operating Officer Rachael Ellis said Mashack has shown a unique ability to inspire and unite others, whether that is by mentoring, advocating for hunger relief, or engaging with the community in the fight against hunger. 'His impact extends far beyond the accolades he has earned; it is felt in the hearts of teammates, peers, and community members alike.' One dead after 'serious' crash on Norris Freeway in Anderson County In March, Mashack launched the 'Mashack March Madness Virtual Food Drive' following his last-second shot helped the Vols beat Alabama. Initially, the fundraiser had a goal of $7,900, in reference to the 79 points Tennessee scored against Alabama, but by the end of the fundraiser, donations to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee surpassed $21,000. Earlier this year, Mashack also served for second straight season as Tennessee's representative on the SEC Community Service Team for men's basketball. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jahmai Mashack launches food drive after epic buzzer beater, raises over $20,000
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Coming off of a stunning last-second shot to beat Alabama, Tennessee basketball standout Jahmai Mashack is celebrating by raising thousands for a local food bank. Mashack's three-pointer lifted Tennessee over the Crimson Tide in dramatic fashion and kept Tennessee's hope of securing the team's first-ever No. 1 seed at the NCAA Tournament alive heading into the final week of the regular season. On Monday, He launched 'Mashack March Madness Virtual Food Drive' to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. Tennessee moves up to No. 4 in AP Top 25 Poll after last-second Alabama win The fundraiser initially set a goal of $7,900 in reference to the 79 points Tennessee scored against Alabama. As of Monday afternoon, the total amount raised has surpassed $21,000. A new goal has now been set at $23,700, triple the original goal. The fundraiser has already raised enough to provide over 60,000 meals to families in East Tennessee. Click here to visit the virtual food drive page. Donations will be accepted through March 31. THE LATEST: University of Tennessee Basketball news Mashack is a senior guard and was recently named to the 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List. He was also nominated for the 2025 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team, which recognizes college athletes for excellence in academics, sports, and community impact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
