THE CONNECTED Community 5K on May 10, 2025, left many participants with more than just shin splints. Not long after everyone crossed the finish line of the “Run, Walk, and Roll,” Beth Davis and Aaron White formed a nonprofit to keep pumping positive energy into Bedford County. The pair first partnered to coordinate a local vendor market that invited small business owners to help revitalize an outdoor area connected to The Center for Family Development on Public Square East. This new — and very much improved — space debuted at the 5k.
White said, “As a grant writer, I helped secure a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant to revitalize that area, transforming it into a vibrant community space now used for events such as Winter Wonderland, Santa’s North Pole, and a ‘Starry Night’–themed art exhibit. Seeing how intentional ‘placemaking’ can strengthen connection, creativity, and civic pride sparked deeper conversations between Beth and me.”
As it was unveiled, the boost of adrenaline coursing through the veins of the community prompted Davis and White to lace up their running shoes and take another step forward.
“After the 5K successfully raised funds for teacher grants benefiting Bedford County Schools, it became clear that people were eager for more than a single event — they wanted ongoing ways to connect, serve, and invest in the place they call home,” White said. “That momentum stayed in the heart of Beth Davis. Her vision was to see year-round, family-centered projects that strengthen quality of life, beautify shared spaces, expand educational opportunity, and build lasting civic pride. With the support of passionate residents and community leaders across Bedford County, that vision took shape as Bridge Bedford — a nonprofit focused on turning collective energy into meaningful, connected community initiatives that help families thrive today while investing in the future.”
White continued, “People didn’t just participate in an event — they stayed, connected, and began asking what could come next. There was clear momentum and a shared desire for more consistent, meaningful ways to invest in the place we all live and work. At the same time, we saw a gap between community energy, educational needs, and industry investment. Shelbyville has dedicated businesses that care deeply about workforce retention and quality of life. Yet, there wasn’t a central, project-driven organization designed to align industry support with education, ‘placemaking,’ and family-centered community initiatives. Bridge Bedford was created to help fill that gap — bringing residents, educators, and industries together to turn shared vision into lasting impact for current families and future generations.”
Before Davis moved to Shelbyville and became the executive director of Bridge Bedford, she had dedicated the previous 12 years to hosting a similar 5K. That annual event was a game-changer in her previous community of Cincinnati, Ohio. Now that she and her family have adopted Middle Tennessee as home, she is eager to replicate it. Davis said, “The 5K became a vital part of bringing families, industry, small businesses, and the school district together to accomplish a common goal of improving quality of life and place.”
White said, “Our vision is to help create a county where young people want to stay, return, and build their lives. Where families feel connected, educators feel supported, and public spaces invite gathering, creativity, and pride. Through grant-funded initiatives and thoughtful partnerships, we want to leave behind more than programs — we want to leave behind amenities, memories, and momentum that strengthen community connection and inspire the next generation to call Bedford County home.”
The team dedicated the first year of the nonprofit to growing their signature event, the Connected Community 5K, but White is actively writing grants with bigger goals in mind. He said, “This includes pursuing funding for creative ‘placemaking,’ community gardens, public art, and family-friendly spaces that enhance quality of life and encourage people to gather and stay connected. Another key goal is engaging youth in shaping the future of our county through the Shelbyville 2075 Vision Survey. This invites students in the public school system, and the homeschool community, to have a voice in naming and imagining the county’s long-term economic future.”
They also plan to launch beautification projects that include murals that celebrate our local identity while honoring our unique history. These will spark civic pride and make public spaces feel intentional, inspirational, and more welcoming. And the 5K isn’t their only health-conscious initiative aimed at getting locals off the couch and gathering with others to enjoy our community. White is also pursuing grants to fund clubs and wellness activities within our public school system and beyond the classroom. These include educational experiences centered around the most biologically diverse river in America — our very own Duck River.
“These initiatives aim to help students better understand and appreciate one of Bedford County’s most significant natural assets while connecting science, art, and stewardship. Together, these efforts are designed to complement existing school programs, expand experiential learning opportunities, and help students feel more connected to the community they are growing up in. Bridge Bedford exists to bring people, places, and purpose together — so our community doesn’t just grow, but grows connected,” White said. GN
For more information, go to bridgebedford.org. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram at @bridgebedford.
