Community support came in droves over the weekend for one local ministry.
The East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy hosted their annual “A Legacy of Love” benefit dinner and silent auction on Friday, April 28, at Boones Creek Christian Church and the night was one to remember, according to ETCHA Director of Services Melissa Marvel.
“We had a glorious night,” she told the Elizabethton Star. “It was a highly successful event. We had close to 300 in attendance and we want to thank everyone that helped with the event.”
Friday proved to be one of the best fundraising nights for the organization, Marvel added, with ETCHA estimated to close $23,000 worth of donations that will be used to benefit the ETCHA children.
“This couldn’t have been possible without the help of each and every person,” she said. “It was a tremendous fundraising goal and we want to again thank everyone for their support.”
Attendees were greeted with soulful tunes thanks in part to musician Leslie Dudney Jordan, from the Dove and Grammy nominated Album of the Year group All Sons & Daughters, serenading the crowd.
“We’re very fortunate to have her this year,” Ron Marvel, ETCHA director of development, recently said. “One of the board members is kin to her and reached out about performing at the event. She was very receptive and we’re excited about welcoming her. People that come out will be in for a treat as she performs throughout the night.”
Supporting the initiative is important, according to Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey.
“ETCHA receives no state funding and depends on gifts from donors to make this ministry success,” Humphrey said. “Personally, I don’t know of a more worthy cause. Currently, there is a tremendous need; therefore, I appeal to each and every one of you support this institution to the fullest extent possible. In doing so, you will be making a positive difference in many young lives that would not be possible otherwise.”
It is a worthwhile cause, the mayor added, for an organization that’s over 70 years old.
“ETCHA is a Christ-centered ministry that serves our community and region,” Humphrey said. “For 71 years, the Academy has been providing safe homes and countless quality of life opportunities for at-risk adolescent girls and their families in need of respite and or reprieve.”
Melissa added the organization is preparing for their annual golf tournament – scheduled to take place in August.
“Our golf tournament is one of our biggest fundraisers,” she said. “We’ve also got our shoe drive going on until the end of the month.”
For more information, visit the East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy Facebook page online or call (423) 542-4423.