Hundreds of Fayette Cares volunteers and donors provided food for nearly 500 families and contributed toys to more than 300 children during the recent Christmas Caring efforts held in Somerville, TN. The record breaking numbers were served as a result of increased charitable giving from generous community members.
More than 220 guests were delighted by the picturesque site, fine wine and dining, exceptional auction, and lively dancing, at A Night of Southern Elegance. The event was a rousing success due to generous donors and the diligent efforts of dozens of dedicated Fayette Cares volunteers. These efforts helped raise nearly $30,000 making this the single largest fundraiser in Fayette Cares' 23 year history.
More than 350 participants registered to run the Cotton Pickin’ 5k benefiting Fayette Cares. The fun and excitement grew this year with the addition of the Cotton Candy 1k Fun Run and 5k awards ceremony on the Fayette County Cotton Festival music stage. Click here for Cotton Pickin' 5k race results. Sorry about the misspellings! Merrick Photography provided professional photos of the event, which are available for viewing and purchases at www.collages.net, enter Username: cotton pickin run 2009 Password: 21925.
The Bank of Fayette County hit a homerun for charity, pledging to donate $1 to Fayette Cares for each text sent during Fayette County Night with the Memphis Redbirds. Fayette County supporters and Memphis Redbirds fans responded in droves, sending thousands of text messages and raising $5,000 for Fayette Cares.
To promote the text effort, The Bank sponsored the filming of a short video depicting the story of a family who found hope at Fayette Cares. The video was shown in AutoZone Park.
Caring community members enjoyed a great selection at the Fayette Cares plant sale held at First Citizens National Bank in Oakland, TN on Saturday, April 25, 2009. The event raised more than $5,000 for services that aid the homeless, hungry and abused.
Nearly 100 anglers participated in the Catching & Caring fishing tournament presented by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Fayette County Bass Club. People of all ages enjoyed bank and boat fishing, games, food, and prizes for this inaugural event benefiting Fayette Cares.
Members of Vineyard United Methodist Church, University of Tennessee Agriculture Extension Agents, 4-H students, and the Memphis Herb Society’s Herban Renewal Grant, have helped to create the Garden of Hope, providing raised garden beds, vegetables, herbs, and gardening workshops for homeless families residing in Hope's Cottage. Families can know how to grow their own food and how to cook with the harvest.
Golfers enjoyed a gorgeous day on the fairways to support Fayette Cares in efforts to serve the homeless, hungry and abused. Caring sponsors and golfers raised $10,000 dollars in a terrific turnout for the Third Annual Fayette Cares Golf Extravaganza held at Fair Oaks Golf Club in Oakland, TN on Thursday, April 23, 2009.
More than $1,000 in tips were earned for Fayette Cares by Taste of Hope personalities at Main Street Eatery in Somerville, TN on Friday, April 17, 2009. Uncle Sam’s stimulus plan was very effective, winning the coveted Elvis cake for earning the most tips. Elvis’ pelvis came in a close second, and was far more popular than Charo’s maracas.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Fayette Cares volunteers were honored with an appreciation feast sponsored by The Bank of Fayette County. More than 70 Fayette Cares volunteers participated in a celebration of gratitude for their gifts of time, talent and treasure.
Full boxes of food, full trucks of toys and full hearts were found in a Somerville gym during the Fayette Cares Christmas Caring efforts on Saturday, December 13.
More than 300 racers participated in the inaugural Cotton Pickin’ 5k Run/Walk, raising more than $15,000. This is the single largest fundraiser in Fayette Cares history. The event brought out avid runners, first time racers and walkers of all ages from Fayette, Shelby, Tipton, DeSoto and Hardeman counties.
It was wonderful to see law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs, taking part in a fun event to raise funds for domestic violence victims during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
One charming tea room restaurant, 7 local banking executives in zany costumes, and more than 100 hungry and generous diners raised nearly $3,000 at the inaugural Taste of Hope event.
Rows of perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, and hanging baskets were supplied by Willow Oaks Flower Farms.The First Citizens National Bank location in Oakland made it ideal for shoppers to access a high quality “garden center” in support of a good cause.
Golf enthusiasts turned out in droves for the second annual Fayette Cares golf tournament.Sponsors and golfers helped raise $9,000 dollars in a terrific show of support for the Fayette Cares hunger relief challenge.
More than 60 volunteers have participated in a series of work days to paint a brighter future for families in need. Hope’s Cottage work days are filled with laughter, love and meaningful community service.
Dozens attended the Fayette Cares groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the start of construction for Hope’s Cottage. Hope’s Cottage will provide services for homeless families with children, offering aid that will build brighter futures.
Santa’s little helpers, also known as Fayette Cares volunteers, prepared toys for hundreds of Fayette County children. They also sorted, packaged and distributed 380 food boxes. Pre-screened, low-income families received gifts of food and toys, which were donated by caring community members.
Flower power and great volunteers raised more than $4,000 for the Fayette Cares food pantry, breaking every record in the 15 year history of our plant sale.
Pumpkin Patch & Plant Sale 2007 - Pumpkin Inspectors
Fayette County grown pumpkins are donated by Fayette Cares Board President, Matthew Armour. Beautiful pansies, violas, ornamental cabbage and much more were provided by Willow Oaks Flower Farm. All proceeds benefit Hope’s Cottage to help homeless families establish stable homes and build strong families.
Fayette Cares staff and program participants took part in self-defense training hosted by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Candice Haynes facilitated the group, in which participants learned how to recognize, avoid, survive and escape physically violent situations. To learn more about self-defense classes contact Candice Haynes at the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department by calling (901) 466-3911.
