Established in 2016 by brothers Schuyler and Will Anderson, Maple Built is a non-profit woodworking apprenticeship that employs, trains and mentors young men in Nashville. Maple Built helps young men envision a better future for themselves while equipping them with marketable skills. Located at 1003 Buchanan St. in North Nashville, the organization boasts a full-scale woodworking shop and showroom.
"As a community-based organization that has been working in Nashville for several years, Maple Built is always excited to forge new partnerships with organizations that care about the city," Maple Built Executive Director Will Anderson said. "Here at Maple Built, we believe that Nashville moves closer to its potential when we all work together, thus we are honored to work with the Preds Foundation and SmileDirectClub to see the young people of our city discover their true potential."
Using this funding, Maple Built will diversify the job-skills training that they offer through the addition of tech components. With the goal of not only teaching the young people, but also creating an environment where they can develop a sense of confidence in a work environment, this SuperGrant will allow Maple Built to maintain the lease on their workshop space as well.
"In partnering with SmileDirectClub, the Predators Foundation was able to greatly expand on the support that we have been committed to providing Nashville and Middle Tennessee for over 20 years," Nashville Predators Vice President of Community Relations Rebecca King said. "Together, especially considering the many challenges that our community has faced over the past year, we are thrilled to award Maple Built with the first of this season's SuperGrants."
Introduced during the 2019-20 season as part of the groundbreaking partnership between the Predators Foundation and Nashville-based SmileDirectClub, multiple SuperGrants - which range from $25,000 to $100,000 - will be awarded each season to Middle Tennessee community organizations. Funding will be allocated to support programming or the completion of largescale projects that empower people during times of life transitions. Last year's recipients were ShowerUp, My Friend's House, Thistle Farms, Operation Stand Down Tennessee and Friends Life.
"We're grateful to have the opportunity to give back to our community and provide the next SuperGrant to the Maple Built organization," SmileDirectClub Chief Marketing Officer John Sheldon said. "As a proud member of the Nashville community, we're eager to help those close to us to better serve the area. Maple Built's mission to serve at-risk youth through a woodworking apprenticeship is a noble cause we're honored to support."
For those watching at home, an interview with Maple Built founder Will Anderson will air on the FOX Sports Tennessee pregame show tonight at 6:30 p.m. CT. Fans can follow
