Smells of country grub and the sound of laughter were in high abundance Thursday evening inside the T.A. Dugger Junior High cafeteria.
A tradition that spans nearly 50 years, Elizabethton Rotary Club members were able to experience a bevy of success during their 46th annual Rotary Bean Dinner – an event to raise funds for multiple programs within the county.
Several members of the public dropped by T.A.D. and had the opportunity to either dine in or carry-out for the small price of $5. While options were available, the assistance stayed the same as Rotary Club members assisted the public – whether it came to bring a tray of food or by simply holding a door open.
It was nothing out of the ordinary, according to Rotary Club member and Bean Dinner Chairperson Joe Alexander.
“Each year, this event keeps getting better. It’s always enjoyable,” Alexander recently told the Elizabethton Star. “The dinner was first started as a fundraiser by Richard Tetrick years ago and was primarily used as a way to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, the dinner has been used for other charities and projects, including ACS.”
Organizations that benefit from the dinner include the Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County, Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library, and 4-H. Rotary Club also partners with local postsecondary schools in the area, including Northeast State Community College and TCAT – Elizabethton.
Proceeds from the dinner also go toward T.A.D., Alexander added. Both entities struck up a partnership a couple of years ago that allows students to get involved and sell tickets.
“The school receives $2 from each ticket, and we provide prizes for the top three students that sell the most tickets,” he said.
It is a collaborative effort, the chairperson added. Faculty at T.A.D was praised ranging from Principal Randy Little and Michelle Johnson in the cafeteria to the custodial staff.
“There are so many people to thank for this project,” Alexander said. “I’m almost afraid to name a lot because I don’t want to leave anybody out. The Club does a great job with this event, and the staff at TAD are second to none with the help.”
Elizabethton’s Rotary Club is a chapter of Rotary International – an organization that spans over 110 years that promotes a mission to address community issues at a local and worldwide level.
Rotary is always in the service of wanting to help others, Alexander said, who has been part of the organization for 38 years.
Rotary sponsors various programs and events throughout the year, including the upcoming Rotary golf tournament.
Individuals wanting to learn more about the organization or possible join and contact the club’s president, Janie McKinney, at janie.mckinney@citizensbank24.com.