Nashville CARES Announces the Iris Buhl Philanthropy Award

Awarded to James R. Kelley

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville CARES is pleased to announce the Iris Buhl Philanthropy Award.

The agency planned to honor long-time donor, cherished friend and valiant champion of Nashville CARES, Iris Buhl, with a philanthropy award at its virtual gala that was held on August 22, 2020. But sadly, Iris Buhl passed away on August 11th, before the award could be bestowed. 

“Nashville CARES would not be where it is today if not for Iris Buhl’s own generosity and the way she challenged others to give of themselves and their finances,” says Debbie Barnett, Director of Marketing and Communications at Nashville CARES. “If you didn’t know Iris but live in the Greater Nashville area you most likely have been impacted by her because of all the incredible philanthropic work she has done throughout the community.”

You can learn more about Iris Buhl in her Tennessean obituary

“We decided to rename the award, The Iris Buhl Philanthropy Award, with its first recipient to be given to long-time CARES supporter James R. Kelly,” says Amna Osman, CEO of Nashville CARES. “Jim is an incredible champion and advocate of the work we do at CARES.  Whether serving as a former board chair, providing financial support or being a host for our annual Dining Out For Life event, he does everything with passion and generosity. CARES is fortunate to have a friend in Jim Kelley and we are thrilled to have him as the first recipient of this award.”

James R. Kelley has been associated with Neal & Harwell since 1990. He handles legal matters on behalf of corporate and individual clients throughout the United States and is recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America for his work in bankruptcy and creditor-debtor rights law. To learn more about Mr. Kelley visit here.


About Nashville CARES: 

Nashville CARES is Tennessee’s largest HIV/AIDS service organization.

Our Mission: Nashville CARES mission is to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee. We work to achieve this through education, advocacy and support for those at risk for or living with HIV.

Our vision is a community where HIV infections are rare, and when they do occur, everyone with HIV/AIDS has access to the care, treatment and support to achieve optimal health and self-sufficiency without stigma or discrimination.

Last year Nashville CARES served more than 50,000 Middle Tennesseans infected and affected by HIV/AIDS including: HIV prevention education to more than 29,000 youth and adults, more than 10,000 FREE confidential HIV tests, and essential support services to 3,400 men, women and children living with the disease. To learn more, visit us at NashvilleCARES.org and follow us on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.