Posted 2:15 am Sunday, September 13, 2009
East Texans Brave Rain For Local Charities
By KELLY GOOCH
Staff Writer
TROUP -- Rain did not keep citizens from contributing to local charities at the inaugural Community Action Resources Event (C.A.R.E.) Festival in Troup Saturday.
Staff Writer
TROUP -- Rain did not keep citizens from contributing to local charities at the inaugural Community Action Resources Event (C.A.R.E.) Festival in Troup Saturday.
The festival, held by Brookshire's Grocery Store in its parking lot, was primarily to gather items for the local food pantry at the First United Methodist Church and the clothes closet at the Church of Christ in Troup.
"What separates us (from other events) is the idea stemmed from a company, but it's really about helping the community," event organizer Paul Bibeau has said.
LaDelle Tuley, who coordinates the food pantry, said at least 36 boxes of food was collected during the first part of the festival, and Brookshire's collected an additional 36 boxes leading up to the event.
The food pantry's clientele has increased over time, she said, and it now averages about 75 families per week.
"We just appreciate anything that's brought ... We think it's (the event) gone really well," Ms. Tuley said.
Jim Heath, interim minister at the Church of Christ. had already taken two pickup loads of clothes to the church as festivities got under way.
"We're so grateful to Brookshire's (for) helping us reach out in the community and let people know (about the clothes closet)," Heath said.
He said Saturday's "overwhelming" response shows that citizens in Troup are concerned for each other.
While the event was about collecting items for charities, it also featured Troup businesses and activities for families.
"It's a celebration of what we do, who we are and what we're all about (as a Troup community)," Bibeau said of the festival.
Attendees could look at motor trikes from Motor Trike Inc., ceramic objects from Ceramics by Looney or buy a plant from Color Spot Nurseries to benefit the food pantry and clothes closet.
The Four Winds Renaissance Faire also provided face painting and Therapets was on hand with two dogs.
Around noon, all-female improv group Willy's Wily Wenches performed for citizens and even included Brookshire's director Chris Bain in their act.
Bibeau said swordfighting and pony rides were on hold at the beginning of the festival due to weather conditions.
Saturday's rain also prevented Shelly Wilson, Sandie Dickey, Lynette Patterson, Desiree Stevens and the Tyler Acoustic Guitar Quartet from doing live performances.
However, organizers planned to play their music and have them sign photos of themselves.
Bibeau estimated that about 100 people had come to the festival as of about 11:30 a.m., but he hoped to have 2,000 to 2,500 come through before the day was over.
Troup resident Carolyn Hill said she thought the festival was a fun way for everybody in Troup to get out and get to know each other.
Brookshire's would like to see the C.A.R.E. Festival become an annual event that would also involve surrounding communities.
"I think we have a starting point now," Bibeau said. "I'm content that I can continue to grow this into something bigger and better."
