Craig Wiseman didn’t got down to discover a trigger. It discovered him.
Early in his songwriting profession, simply as his songs have been starting to seek out success, Craig was invited to a profit live performance by the proprietor of his publishing firm. It wasn’t framed as a lesson, however it grew to become one. The message was clear: if you’re going to have a platform, it is best to use it. If you’re going to be blessed, it is best to take note of the place that blessing can go.
That evening, Craig attended his first Second Harvest occasion at Vanderbilt Plaza. There, he met Jaynee Day, the previous CEO of Second Harvest. Craig remembers Jaynee gave a pleasant speech and thanked all these in attendance, however that wasn’t what stood out. What stood out was her presence.
“Each time I noticed her,” Craig recalled, “she was stuffing BackPacks for teenagers.”
On the time, Craig was studying to be extra discerning about the place he gave his money and time. He wished to help work that was actual, efficient, and grounded. Second Harvest stood aside. It was native. It was hands-on. And it was led by individuals who confirmed up not simply to handle the work, however to do it.
“That’s an actual charity,” he mentioned. “It was so pure. It was born out of such a pure factor.”
Craig stayed concerned. He attended concert events, wrote checks, and carried out for Second Harvest. Over time, Second Harvest grew to become a part of his Nashville story.
Years later, over lunch at Noshville, longtime pal and mentor David Conrad requested Craig a easy query: Did he find out about Stars for Second Harvest?
Craig did. The occasion had existed years earlier, with artists like Emmylou Harris concerned, however it had gone quiet. David had an thought.
“That ought to begin once more,” he instructed Craig. “And try to be the man working it.”
At first, Craig was shocked. However the logic made sense. Artists tour. Songwriters keep. Songwriters know everybody.
In 2005, Stars for Second Harvest returned to the Ryman Auditorium. And from there, it took off.
For almost two many years, Craig helped lead the occasion, calling buddies, gathering artists, and bringing collectively the music neighborhood to help starvation aid throughout Center Tennessee. Over time, although, he started to note a shift. Most of the artists who as soon as jumped on the likelihood have been slowing down. They have been older. Drained. Prepared for one thing totally different.
That’s when Craig’s spouse made a suggestion.
“You understand who that you must move this to,” she mentioned. “ERNEST.”
A Nashville native himself, ERNEST took the reins and took the occasion to the following degree. For Craig, it felt proper. The work continued. The torch stayed lit.
Craig’s connection to starvation aid isn’t summary. He sees it every single day.
His workplace sits simply blocks from Part 8 housing, a pointy distinction to the prosperity of Music Row. The hole is unimaginable to disregard. And when you begin noticing starvation, you see it in all places. For Craig, particularly within the waste.
“The quantity of meals misplaced within the restaurant business is surprising,” Craig mentioned. “As much as 70%.”
Since studying that, he by no means leaves meals behind. Leftovers come dwelling. If not for him, then a minimum of for his canine. He laughed, “Anyone goes to eat this.” The purpose is easy: meals ought to feed somebody.
Through the years, Craig’s understanding of Second Harvest has deepened. He’s seen the warehouse. The vehicles. The size.
“Second Harvest is known as a trucking and logistics firm,” he mentioned. “It’s the meals financial institution’s meals financial institution.”
Pantries throughout Center and West Tennessee depend on Second Harvest to maintain their cabinets stocked. Meals rescued from grocery shops like Kroger and Walmart is moved shortly, effectively, and with goal. What donors are actually funding, Craig explains, isn’t simply meals — it’s gas.
“Diesel feeds folks,” he tries to inform his audiences. “You give cash, and in lower than 48 hours, individuals are consuming as a result of vehicles are shifting.”
That readability issues to him. It makes the influence tangible. Quick.
Craig believes giving is about circulation. Like songwriting itself, the work begins quietly. It takes years of effort with no assure of reward. Then in the future, the outcomes come. The success arrives.
“When that blessing exhibits up,” he mentioned, “it could actually’t cease with you.”
For Craig, that perception is rooted in religion. One in every of his proudest songs, Consider, displays a reality he returns to usually: care for kids, widows, and people in want. It’s easy. Direct. Uncomplicated.
“That’s the phrase written in purple for me,” he mentioned. “That is a technique I stay that out.”
Giving, he insists, isn’t nearly cash. It’s time. Presence. Displaying up to pack BackPacks. Standing in a warehouse crammed with pallets of canned greens and realizing that each single one issues.
And when doubt creeps in — the voice that claims one particular person can’t make a distinction — Craig is evident.
“Don’t hearken to that voice,” he mentioned. “That’s the darkness. Don’t let the darkness win.”
Craig usually comes again to a line he as soon as heard and by no means forgot. He says, “Cash should purchase happiness, you simply have to present sufficient of it away.”
For Craig Wiseman, supporting Second Harvest isn’t about recognition or legacy. It’s about stewardship. About making positive what comes via him retains shifting.
