The Upper Cumberland Community Foundation held its Fifth Annual Poker Run on Aug. 3, raising money to support organizations caring for the most vulnerable residents in Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, and Whitley counties.
The Bell County and London Tourism Commissions were significant sponsors, with Middlesboro and London Mainstreet Programs manning the stop and Tinsel Trail providing a smoked bologna lunch to all participants. Wildcat Harley Davidson supplied awards for the top three hands and the worst hand.
The Foundation partnered with Backroads of Appalachia to test a Drive and Seek scavenger hunt, bringing visitors to regional attractions.
Upper Cumberland Board Chairman Jacob Roan said, “We are so excited to see all these visitors and join the region in supporting the Foundation.”
The Upper Cumberland Community Foundation made grants to the London Fireman’s Club for EMT training, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for a month’s postage, Parkinson’s in Motion for exercise equipment, KCEOC to supplement summer feeding programs to include adult family members, Friends of the Bell County Animal Shelter, Crater of Hope/Summer Youth Camp, Henderson Settlement After School Program, the OYC Baptist Church’s Empowering Lives Program, Advent Health Manchester for IV poles, Clay County Shrine Club to transport children to Shriners hospitals, Stay in Clay for Storytelling in the Mountains, Thompson Scholars for science equipment, Oneida Volunteer Fire Department to purchase protective headgear, VOA to provide a safe, sober environment for those in long-term recovery, CASA for children to receive a little something extra at Halloween or Christmas, Laurel County Literacy Council serving Knox, residents for transportation to GED, Whitley County Farmers’ Market Double Dollars program, Corbin First Baptist White Flag Relief program, Millstone Community Theatre Guild, and the Cumberland River Straight Shooters to support students in archery.
The Upper Cumberland Community Foundation is a leading and trusted community foundation, enhancing Eastern Kentucky through charitable giving, community involvement, and strategic partnerships by investing assets in our communities.
The Community Foundation works to enrich the quality of life for Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, and Whitley counties. Upper Cumberland Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, a network of nationally accredited foundations across the region.
To learn more or support this work, donations to the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation can be made by visiting www.appalachianky.org/upper-cumberland-community-foundation.
