By CHRIS MENEES
Messenger Staff Reporter
Chimes for Charity secretary Lindsay Frilling summed up the record-breaking final night of Chimes’ fundraising telethon in a single word.
“Awesome.”
The last night of the annual telethon’s four-night run yielded $10,492.50 in pledges and donations — bringing the grand total raised so far to $37,497.50.
Chimes is still about $7,500 away from reaching this year’s goal of $45,000, a recently-revised goal that reflects an increase over the $40,000 previously announced when the program kicked off about two months ago.
Donations may be mailed to Chimes for Charity, P.O. Box 661, Union City, TN 38281.
Anyone who made a pledge during the telethon is asked to honor their contribution swiftly, according to Chimes officials, who said a considerable amount of money has already been spent on the annual children’s shopping tours and to purchase food and toys for those in need.
The annual telethon is a major fund raiser for the 75-year-old Chimes program, which provides food, clothing and toys to less fortunate families across Obion County at Christmas. The project is sponsored by the Union City Jaycees and J’Cettes and is supported by contributions from individuals, businesses, churches and organizations in the community.
Entertainment on the final night of the telethon at Second Baptist Church in Union City was provided by the popular Kare Bear Preschool and Union City Elementary School’s Chorus Kids and Voices of UCES. Emcee Jim Adcock, who was 1977 Jaycees president, was joined by Northwest Tennessee Boys and Girls Club chief professional officer Ron Green and 1971 Jaycees president Johnny Bruff.
“Although we have a little way to go in order to reach our goal, Thursday night set a first-time single-night record. This record-breaking evening resulted from the outstanding performances of Kare Bear and (the groups from) UCES, coupled with the overwhelming generosity of the businesses and citizens of Obion County,” 2009 Chimes chairwoman Kristi Townes said.
“The Chimes for Charity board members have faith that the goal will be met, but we still need your donation. It is not too late to make your donation to Chimes, no matter how big or small it may be. I would also like to say thanks to Obion County for keeping this very special charity close to your hearts for 75 years,” she added.
Helping in other ways
Chimes will also benefit from the annual Santa’s Village being staged this week at the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Ag Pavilion. Chimes’ designated night is tonight from 6-9, with the program to benefit from the receipt of non-perishable goods collected as admission from those attending.
Several locations in Union City have also been designated as drop-off locations for toys and non-perishable food items for Chimes for Charity. They include Van Heusen at VF Factory Outlet at 601 Sherwood Drive; First Citizens Financial Plus at 501 South First St.; Maurice’s at 1700 West Reelfoot Ave., Suite 172; First State Bank at 100 East Reelfoot Ave.; and Cash Express at 1313 West Reelfoot Ave., Suite D. Donations should be made by Tuesday.
As Christmas approaches, Chimes will also be in need of volunteers to help sort items and pack food baskets to be delivered to less fortunate families around Obion County on Christmas Eve morning. The sorting will begin at 1 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Obion County Bus Garage in Troy’s industrial park and the packing will start at 2 p.m. Dec. 23 at the bus garage. Routes and delivery information for Dec. 24 will be provided at those activities.
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Staff Reporter Chris Menees may be contacted by e-mail at cmenees@ucmessenger.com.
Published in The Messenger 12.11.09