August 14, 2009 FRANKLIN &mdash Friends and admirers of WAKM-AM 950 radio personality Tom Lawrence gathered Tuesday at The Factory at Franklin to wish
him well as he prepares to take a one-year sabbatical in China. Lawrence will be teaching at Wuhan University in the Hubei province of east China. Attendees to the sendoff party contributed money toward teaching materials. Art Helf, president of Tennessee Commerce Bank, presided over tributes to Lawrence and introduction of Chinese guests, including two doctors who have been studying at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and taking English as a Second Language classes from Lawrence. Tom Andrews of Tom A Promotions set up the event. Franklin Mayor John Schroer presented a resolution declaring Aug. 21 as Tom Lawrence Day. Lawrence, of Spring Hill, is known as the radio voice of WAKM, but he also accepts numerous requests to act as master of ceremonies for charity fundraisers, school events and political forums.
From left, Tennessee Commerce Bank President Art Helf, WAKM-AM 950 co-owner Tom Lawrence, Franklin Mayor John Schroer and Tom Andrews of Tom A Promotions pose after Schroer presented Lawrence with a proclamation designating Aug. 21 as Tom Lawrence Day in Franklin.