KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — People in Tennessee could soon have the option of getting a new license plate designed by a Knoxville artist.
Paris Woodhull is well-known for making Knoxville even prettier with her murals all around town. Aside from that, she owns a retail store in downtown Knoxville. But now, she is venturing into new territory: designing license plates.
"I hope that I get to see it driving about like a year from now," Woodhull mentioned. "So, fingers crossed."
The program is a partnership between Woodhull and the Friends of Volunteer Tennessee, an organization responsible for supporting and growing volunteerism in Tennessee.
"There was a lot of discussion about these kind of smaller fundraising opportunities that we could implement, but they were all so small and inconsistent," Jason Scott, board member with the Friends of Volunteer Tennessee, explained. "And the appeal of the license plate opportunities was that it would create a consistent revenue stream that would support the mission year after year."
The license plate includes the Tri-Star and hands showing the logo of the organization and the diversity of the state. It also showcases the iconic Tennessee hills.
"Obviously they hired me for my style, so we definitely wanted to keep within my style as an artist," Woodhull commented.
The money raised goes, in part, towards creating an emergency fund for Americorps members in Tennessee.
"Sometimes, when those members are serving, they might encounter unexpected life circumstances that destabilize them and may make them choose between finishing their term of service or being able to complete it," Scott explained.
For example, AmeriCorps members help by addressing public health issues or with disaster relief. The Friends of Volunteer Tennessee hope this fund will help members continue to serve.
"If you are a person that is passionate about contributing and enhancing the well being of your community, this is a great way to support that and show that support year round," Scott added.
Click here to go to the website for the pre-sale of this license plate. The license plate costs $35 and there is a $2 fee for the online purchase, so it ends up being $37.
The group needs to get 1,000 orders for this to become an official license plate and have a year to complete it. If not, the project could be terminated.