Tracy Lawrence Holds Ninth Annual Mission Possible Turkey Fry

Since 2006, Tracy Lawrence has given the homeless of Middle Tennessee something to be very thankful for when Thanksgiving rolls around. He held his ninth annual Mission Possible Turkey Fry on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Lawrence and lots of friends -- including celebrities, musicians and Tennessee Titans players and cheerleaders -- helped fry about 550 turkeys during the day-long event, which took place in the Mission's parking lot. The turkeys helped feed 800 people who live at the mission, and the singer and his family also distributed some across Wilson County, bringing birds to senior living facilities, Tent City and other places with people in need.

"It's probably the best downtown smells all year long," Lawrence says.

"It drives so much awareness to the mission and all the great work that they do throughout the year -- it brings a lot of donations in. This is a really big week for them," he adds. "And the awareness the turkey fry brings is just tremendous on everything they do throughout the year."

The Mission serves 2,000 meals each day, but when Thanksgiving rolls around, it needs an extra-special dinner -- that's why they bring on Lawrence. Plus, as an incentive to give a $100 donation, 50 lucky people received their very own fried turkey and autographed t-shirt.

"Clients are very grateful. Many people would go hungry," Billy Eldridge, who works with the Nashville Rescue Mission, tells TV station WSMV. "And it's not just a meal, it's a deep-friend turkey. It don't get any better."

Since its inception, the Mission Possible Turkey Fry has provided more than 50,000 meals to help the Mission feed Middle Tennessee's homeless. Last year's fry truly showed the good-natured attitudes and goodwill of the volunteers, as freezing temperatures and rain accompanied the event. Thankfully, this year saw milder temperatures.