By Jenna Sue Payne, Southern Torch Media Sales Manager & Bruce's Foodland Event Coordinator
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Local Radio Stations and Newspapers have much in common, we all want to keep the public informed and to make our communities a better place for our neighbors. That is why area Media has joined forces this year to partner with Bruce's Foodland Stores in their annual CAMP ST. JUDE Fundraiser.
Sometime around 2004 Michael Bruce and Mike Griggs developed the idea to get involved with St. Jude and have some fun grilling. The Bruce Family donates 100 percent of the food sold, as well as serving as volunteers. Bruce’s Camp St. Jude partnered with WQSB's Country Cares For Kids and to date, we have raised around 135,000.00. WQSB's Barry Galloway and the staff have such a heart for the kids and the radiothon is always a big success.
From the beginning, we could not have taken on such a big task if it hadn't been for the help of people like Fort Payne City's Mike Griggs, and Times Journal Publisher Tricia Clinton. Tricia always did a great job manning the wagon with Connie, Angela and Misty Bruce. While Griggs led the charge on the grill with people like Eric Burt and Tyler Griggs. The Times-Journal would always help publicize and bring great volunteers who were ready to work. I was on the morning show at WQSB at the time and it was a great partnership to use radio and newspaper to help raise funds for the kids at St. Jude.
Last year when I made the move to Southern Torch as Media Sales Manager, I was trying to figure out how we could continue and utilize all the media outlets to make it all work. With two radio stations, WKEA 983 WILD COUNTRY and WMXN 1017 The Torch; and two newspapers Southern Torch and the new Jackson Blaze, it only made sense that we could all join forces. Three Radio Stations and three newspapers working together to help kids in need.
The volunteers make it fun for sure. We have had politicians, first responders, high school students, and Country Music Celebrities like Jeff and Lisa Cook all willing to put on the rubber gloves and stuff buns! Area industry and business owners alike have come out and helped us by buying lunch for their employees. Last year Southern Torch Editor Marla Jones helped get the word out online and in the newspaper. She even helped out in our Rainsville location with veteran volunteers Bruce and Sandra Hale along with First State Bank's Mandi Cooper. People like Mayor Larry Chesser and his wife Donna, Dekalb County Judge Andrew Hairston, Dorma Hutchenson, Rita Shirley, Kim Poe, Linda Sterling, Cole Justice and Sharon Jones who just show up and help us nearly every year.
Join us Tuesday, March 10th at Bruce’s Foodland in Fort Payne and Rainsville from 11 am til 2 pm, area volunteers, as well as local radio and newspaper personalities, will be stuffing dogs as fast as they can to help feed people who want to fight childhood cancer. Hotdog plates are only 6.00. They include two hotdogs, chips, Little Debbie snacks, and a chilled drink. Big Dog sponsorships include lunch and a BIG DOG BUTTON for $100.00 and can be purchased from Misty Bruce at Pink Door Boutique, Bruce and Sandra Hale, or with Christian Payne.
It is my hope in honor of the 40 years Bruce’s Foodland as served our community we can hit 150,000.00 in funds raised to date. But it takes you to make a difference! For more information feel free to call 256 996 4961 or email jennasue@southerntorch.com
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