United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties kicks off its record $3 million drive Sunday during the Taste of Stones River event.
Campaign Manager Brian Hercules of Atmos Energy said the goal is aggressive and considerably more than the $2.67 collected last year for 47 agencies. More than 52,000 Rutherford County residents or one in every four residents benefited from United Way agencies last year.
“There are more needs from our partner agencies than ever before, and we believe United Way is poised for a banner year,” Hercules said. “We are asking the community to make United Way its ‘charity of choice,’ and this goal sends a very important message of how serious we are about meeting the community's needs.”
Jenny Grubb, United Way’s director of marketing and special events, said the kickoff will be from 3-3:20 p.m. during the annual event at Stones River Mall in front of Dillard’s.
Admission is free, but people do have to have tickets to sample food items. Each ticket will be sold for 50 cents with a maximum eight tickets for an item. Examples from last year would be: Panera, three tickets; Fuji Chicken Apple Salad with bread, two tickets; Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a bread bowl, two tickets; Famous Dave’s Ribs, three tickets; and Purity lemonade, tea, and chocolate milk, two tickets.
“This year we are so excited to say we have almost doubled our participating restaurants,” Grubb said. “We will have a total of 43 of the area’s finest restaurants showcasing their signature dishes. The restaurants in our area are so generous and really love being a part of this event — not only do they get to showcase their best dishes but they also get to help out a great cause.”
The event features live entertainment from the Blackman High School Band, Shannon Aplin and the Red Letter Box. There will be a kid’s area that will include face painting, moonwalks and cotton candy.
“We encourage each of you to bring your entire family out and enjoy yourself while helping your community,” Grubb said.
All proceeds benefit the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, which provides funds to 47 local nonprofit agencies including the Boys and Girls Clubs, Alive Hospice and the Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. |
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