In my four years as executive director of United Way of Bedford County I am constantly amazed how many people don’t know we exist or what we do. Through our support of local non-profits, we help people literally from the cradle to the grave.  

But we can’t help these non-profits if we don’t have funds to give them. One of our two major fundraisers is our Mardi Gras in May event.  

It is scheduled May 20 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Blue Ribbon Circle at the Celebration Grounds. Boiled fresh crawfish and a shrimp boil with all of the trimmings are the featured food and it is all you can eat.  

Ashley and Andrew House, owners of Glass Hollow Table & Tavern, will be providing Cajun alfredo. Tyson will donate chicken breasts for those who have shellfish allergies. Cherokee Distributing is supplying beer and Vanderbilt Bedford is donating water. Tea and wine will also be available. Takeout will be available.  

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. Both a silent and live auction are planned as well.  

After covering our expenses the money we raise will be allocated to Bedford Builds Habitat for Humanity, Family Counseling Center, two programs at the Community Development Center, Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association, CASA Works, Boys and Girls Clubs, Caregiver Relief Program, Hospice of the Highland Rim, Tennessee Poison Control, Bedford County 4-H, Shelbyville-Bedford County Senior Citizens Center, First Choice Pregnancy Counseling Center and the Imagination Library.  

The more money we raise from this event, the more assistance we will be able to provide for these non-profits. In addition, United Way of Bedford County is part of the 2-1-1 program, a national United Way offering which provides free assistance beyond what we can do locally. Requests from Bedford County are numerous.  

As a result, we are billed a four-figure fee for this 24/7 service. We also provide the funding for the “Backpack” program which provides food on weekends for Bedford County students who might go hungry. 

 Like many non-profits United Way of Bedford County is struggling financially due to the economy, Covid issues and alterations in the local work force. All the money we raise stays in Bedford County.  

You may not need the services of all the non-profits we help. But I am sure sometime in your life one of these groups can be of assistance to you.  

This event will be my last as executive director for United Way of Bedford County. 

For a variety of reasons ranging from health to wanting to pursue some other projects it is time for me to step aside. I invite each of you to be a part of this special event.  

Those who have attended the Mardi Gras event in the past have enjoyed the cooking of Tyler Gill, the fun of the auctions and the fellowship.  

Tickets are available from First Community Bank, members of the United Way of Bedford County Board of Directors, Eventbrite, the UWBC website or at the door the night of the event. Our board of members look forward to welcoming you.