Fund-raiser nets almost $1,000 for Morris seniors

Published 8:44 am Tuesday, May 19, 2009

By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



If stars cost a dollar each, almost 1,000 of them fell on Morris last week.

The second annual Stars Fell on Morris fund-raiser took in $928 for the Morris Senior Center.

The center will use the money for the annual trip to the Master’s Games, also called the Senior Olympics, this fall.

Last year, a dozen senior citizens attended the competition and brought home at least four times that many medals.

The seniors need almost $2,000 for the trip.

Even though it rained off and on during the all-day fund-raiser, senior center director Eloise Blankenship said the day was a success.

“The singers were good and the preachers were good,” Blankenship said. “There was a great turnout despite the rain.”

J.R. Kennedy, founder of Daystar Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus, organized the fund-raiser.

“We had people in and out all day,” said Kennedy. “Every person that was there commented how much they enjoyed it.”

The lineup consisted of 14 singing groups and about 10 preachers. Each singer and minister had the stage for a half hour.

There were booths representing businesses and churches, as well as people selling porch swings, rocking chairs and yard sale items. There was even a race car on hand.

“I really want to thank all of the singers and the preachers who gave their time,” said Kennedy.

There were at least 23 sponsors, but Kennedy especially wanted to thank the City of Morris, including the police and fire departments and City Hall employees.