The annual Christmas parade did more than just provide attendees with a good time; it helped provide a little extra funding for a good cause.
The Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce presented Red Legacy with a check for $900, a portion of the funds collected from parade entry fees for the 2014 Christmas parade.
Red Legacy founder and Executive Director Angelee Murray said the donation would help the agency to continue with the everyday operations.
“It will help women in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and it will help us continue the services we offer at the office,” Murray said. “This includes recovery skills, relapse prevention, counseling and help with job searches.”
Murray said she was honored when the Chamber contacted her about Red Legacy being the non-profit to receive a portion of the proceeds from the parade.
“Addiction is not a popular issue and it is not easily understood,” she said. “I think the community sees that this is a problem and there needs to be a program in place to help those who are in recovery.”
Chamber of Commerce Director Tonya Stevens said Red Legacy was selected because of all the work the agency does for others in the community.
“They are not always thanked as much as they need to be,” Stevens said. “They have the ability to put this struggle in a different perspective for people to better understand. You can see the love and the genuine care from Angelee. Everything is being done from the heart and out of love for that client.”
Red Legacy is located at 713 E Elk Ave. and can be contacted at 423-297-1230.