By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.-Members of the First United Methodist Church came to play Saturday, raising a total of $30,760 for the Henry County Helping Hand Radio Auction. Members raised $15,624 in the afternoon auction, with $15,046 raised during the night auction.
That brings the grand total raised for Helping Hand this year at $161,824.
The First United Methodist Church has a friendly rivalry with members of the First Baptist Church and they compete each year to see who will raise more for Helping Hand. Clearly, First Baptist members will have their work cut out for them when it’s their day next Saturday, February 10.
The lemon pecan pie donated in honor of the late Jamie Weatherly brought $4,200. The pie was made by Carolyn Scarbrough using a recipe of Jamie’s late husband Bob. The pie was donated by members of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School class.
Each year, thousands of dollars are raised by volunteers for a long list of non-profit organizations in the county. Last year, over $350,000 was raised by Helping Hand.
Next week’s schedule begins with First Christian Church, Habitat for Humanity and the Literacy Council on Monday.
On Tuesday, items will be donated by: Veterans organizations in Henry County, Paris Elks Lodge, Unforgotten Motorcycle Club and Tennessee State Guard.
On Wednesday, items will be donated by: Tennessee Valley Assoc. of Realtors, Walmart Supercenter, Covenant Ranch, Plus Endowment, and Buddy Ball.
Helping Hand will run through February 28 and is held each day at the fairgrounds. The Helping Hand Radio Auction is broadcast daily on WTPR AM 710 beginning at 12:30 p.m., and on Saturdays at noon.
Photo: Volunteers Gloria Madison, Sharon Kummerow and Staci Foy at work Saturday. (Shannon McFarlin photo).