Paris, Tenn.–The people of Henry County REALLY stepped up.
Even during a world-wide pandemic, the Henry County Helping Hand Auction this year raised $300,000 for over 80 non-profit organizations.
And a donation from the Henry County Medical Center brought the total to the $300,000 mark.
The COVID pandemic prompted the Helping Hand board to think outside the box in many ways, with the traditional daily Radio Auction format cancelled in favor of new ways to raise money– including a virtual auction with homemade items donated by local citizens, large donations matched by organizations such as Paris BPU and the Tennessee Valley Authority, and direct monetary donations from citizens and businesses. As in previous years, big-money items were donated and auctioned, including boats and other items.
Helping Hand President Stacy Hayes said, “The Helping Hand Board and Officers are thrilled to announce that with donations received this week, we are officially over the $300,000 mark. Never in our wildest dreams did we expect this in the middle of a pandemic and not meeting in person. We are so grateful to Henry Countians for their continued support and most generous spirit.”
Applications for monies to be distributed from the 2021 Helping Hand will be available online beginning Monday, March 1. Forms may be accessed at Facebook.com/henrycountyhelpinghand or by email request at Helping Hand1695@gmail.com.
Paper copies may be picked up at McLean & McLean Law Office, 206 W. Washington St. in Paris. Applications must be filled out and returned to Helping Hand via email or in person at McLean and McLean by 5 p.m. March 15 and will not be accepted after the deadline. No exceptions. For questions, call Susan Bell at 731-694-0192.
In photo, HCMC Director of Marketing Tory Daughrity presents a donation to Helping Hand Board Member Ashleigh Miller on behalf of various fundraising efforts at the hospital.