Taste of Cherokee returns March 6
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

With March designated as "American Red Cross (ARC) Month," the local chapter of the organization is preparing for its premier fundraising event, "A Taste of Cherokee."

This is the seventh year the fundraiser will take place. It is scheduled for March 6 from 5:30 until 8 p.m.

A number of local individuals, businesses and organizations are expected to take part in the event, providing food and drinks of their choice.

"It is the kickoff to the rest of the things we have going on this year," Cherokee County American Red Cross Service Center Manager Shellie Wylie said. "This is going to be a great event for people to come eat and fellowship, but also help ensure that when disaster strikes the Red Cross will be there to help."

This year's event will be held at First Baptist Church of Gaffney. John Cessarich, chief meteorologist for WYFF-TV 4 in Greenville and the "John On The Road" program is expected to be in attendance, delivering weather forecaasts and speaking with festival participants.

Wylie said the event is still looking for bands and other groups interested in serving as entertainment. However, anyone wanting to perform should act quickly as Wylie and others on the festival's organizing committee do not want the acts to disrupt the flow of the event.

"We are definitely still working on entertainment. Several bands and other acts want to come, but we have not scheduled any as of yet," Wylie said. "But we will not have as many performances as we did last year. It kind of disrupted the flow of people going from table to table and getting food.

"We want to be able to get people in and out of the dining area as fast as possible."

An auction will be held during the event. Items such as tickets to Disney World, a handmade Red Cross blanket, a hat autographed by NASCAR Sprint Cup's Jeff Gordon and a number of other items will be available.

The "Taste" could not come around at a better time for the ARC. At the beginning of this month, the organization was $16,000 short of annual budgetary goals. Some donations have came through Wylie's door within the past few weeks, but she said there is still a long way to go.

"We are trying to help these families the best way possible," Wylie said. "But if there aren't any funds to work with, we cannot respond."

Last year, the "Taste" raised $8,000 - a good total according to Wylie, but not meeting the ARC's goal. This year the organization has upped the ante, setting a goal of $20,000.

Funds donated to the Red Cross go toward helping those affected by catastrophes like fires and natural disasters. These people receive money, blankets, medicine and other living supplies with the help of the organization.

The ARC launched its "Heroes" campaign earlier this week. The fundraising drive's goal is to find "heroes" willing to raise $1,000 each for the local branch's disaster service efforts.

"I am passionate about the work the Red Cross does because it affects people locally," Wylie said.

"All of the money that comes into the local Red Cross goes toward assisting local families coping with disasters beyond their control."

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

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