Unofficial Food Drive Totals $5,850 In Funds And 2,720 Food Items
The 23rd annual Thanksgiving Challenge Rooftop Food Drive, sponsored by Sullivan Chamber of Commerce, KTUI Radio and Sullivan Independent News, was held on Friday morning from downtown Sullivan with businesses, organizations, and individuals unofficially donating some $5,850 in monetary donations and 2,720 food items at press time.
The event this year also featured a competition between those donating Friday with food items and monetary donations to receive a yearly trophy and at press time, the apparent winner is Bank of Sullivan.
The 23rd Annual Rooftop Food Drive saw Sullivan Independent News Publisher/Editor James Bartle on top of the roof of the Meramec Community Mission, beneficiary of the event, while Sam Scott, KTUI General Manager; Robert Scott, Co-Owner; Shawna Speaks, Chamber Director; Donna Bott, Chamber Secretary and Chris Dace, Mission Director broadcast the event on KTUI. The group was also assisted by Sullivan Fire Department firefighters who helped unload food into the donated 16 foot cargo trailer from ChaseCo. and Kya Harbour, Meramec Community Fair Queen and Riley Lock, MCF First Runner Up, also assisting.
Some of the terrific highlights from the event included a skid steer loader from Sullivan MFA Coop bringing a full pallet of donated food from Frick’s Market. The product went a long way in helping to meet the goals of the Food Drive.
Another highlight, although not monetary or donated, was a soaring bald eagle the flew over the food drive and just feet above James Bartle on the mission roof, in what was a majestic moment.
Former KTUI Radio morning personality and general manager John Rice made a return to the airwaves joining the group Friday morning in a position he had held for more than 20 years with the Rooftop Food Drive.
“We cannot ever thank everyone enough for helping us help the mission this year and in years past,” said Bartle. “It never fails that we are able to come through and in many instances there are new organizations or businesses that join us each year along with some many that have helped from day one. Always proud of our community and what we can accomplish together and this event is just another case of that community pride and assistance.”
The Thanksgiving Challenge will continue in area schools in businesses for weeks to come and those looking to help in any way may contact Sullivan Chamber of Commerce at 573-468-3314.