Tonya Perry Recipient at 5th Annual Giraffe Awards
The 5th Annual Giraffe Awards were held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in Jackson, Tennessee and Hardeman County resident Tonya Perry was honored to be recognized as a 2025 recipient. The charity event gala, hosted by the Positive Living Group, is held to celebrate individuals from the community who “stick their necks out” and go above and beyond to help others while supporting behavioral health.
Ms. Perry learned she was considered to be a recipient due to several individuals e-mailing letters stating how she helped them or their children in school, or how she was a mentor to their daughters. Others mentioned how grateful they are Ms. Perry gives scholarships every year to help those in her own community.
“I am an entrepreneur who owns a salon and a marketing/management company. I use those platforms to minister to those who need it. I often say that my salon chair is my pulpit. If I see a person who is in need, I just help without them having to ask, because no one really wants to ask for help, and I understand how it feels,” said Ms. Perry.
Ms. Perry shared a special moment from the evening.
“A special moment for me during the evening was upon arrival, each recipient’s photo was in the main entrance for everyone to see. My mother stopped by my photo, touched it, and smiled. She told me how proud she was of me. My mother will be 77 in October. It was such a blessing to be able to make her proud,” said Ms. Perry.
A special nod to each recipient as they walked onto the stage was the playing of a song which reflected a bit of who they are as a person.
“Because I am a member of the Gamma Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., the song used for me was ‘Pretty Girls Walk’, by Big Boss Vette,” said Ms. Perry.
The evening was a memorable one for Ms. Perry. She is most thankful to “receive her flowers” while she is still alive and can enjoy them.
“I don’t help people to be recognized; however, sometimes validation gives one the boost they need to just keep doing great things for people. Day after day, people in the community remind me of ways that I have been a blessing to them, and I sometimes don’t even remember it,” said. Ms. Perry. “There is a scripture in the Bible, which says that it is hard to get honor in your own home, which is something I have found to be true, but God always has a way to take care of His children.”
The 5th Annual Giraffe Awards were held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The organization noted all proceeds from the event will help provide mental health counseling services to individuals and families facing financial hardship.
Read more local news by clicking here.
Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by following Hatchie Press on Facebook and Subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.
Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.
