RUTLEDGE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- One Rutledge woman's dream is coming true thanks to another family's $1 million gift.

Giving is the spirit of the holiday season, and Betty and Wayne Shirley's $1 million dollar donation to the Grainger County Homeownership Program will help Bessie Graves and 45 other families achieve the American dream.

Bessie Graves says, "It means a lot. I just thank God."

Wednesday was an emotional day for Graves.

She's the first new homeowner benefitting from the Grainger County Homeownership Program.

"We've been living in Clinchfield Apartments for four years, and it's no place to raise a kid."

Thanks to the Shirley family, Graves' luck is changing.

What is now a blueprint will soon transform into her dream home on land she and her father stood on together Wednesday.

Betty Shirley says, "The Lord has blessed us for being faithful, and I think he gives us resources so we can bless others."

Betty Shirley and her husband Wayne have lived in the area all their lives.

They're donating $1 million to Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation and Development Council.

The money will help fund nearly 45 homes over the next eight years in Grainger County for families in need.

Wednesday saw that their generosity was like an early Christmas for Graves and her family.

Graves says, "We've never had a place to call home, so it's really just great."

Graves hopes to move into her new home by as early as February.

If you're interested in becoming one of the selected homeowners for the Grainger County Homeownership Program, call 865-828-5927.