NBA AND NASCAR STAR JOINS PARTNERS TO BRING A HAPPY HOLIDAY
Thanksgiving is a time for all of us to reflect on the things that we, our families, and friends have to be thankful for and the blessings that we have received during the past year.
But as we all know, this past year has been especially difficult for so many in our community due to situations well beyond their control. Illnesses, disabilities, loss of jobs, and many other factors have a great number of our families here at home looking for brighter days as the holiday season approaches.
Again this year, former Cleveland Cavalier, UNC Basketball star, and NASCAR analyst and team owner Brad Daugherty is joining with Ingle’s Markets, the Brad Daugherty Foundation, members of the Eblen Charities’Board of Directors, and friends and supporters in providing meals to thousands that otherwise might be facing an empty table on Thanksgiving Day. On Wednesday November 23rd, 1,000 turkeys will be distributed to clients of the Eblen Charities from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Eblen Charities Waddell Client Service Center at Westgate Shopping Center.
“I am thankful for so much and in these difficult times I can think of no better way to share my blessings with others who may not be as fortunate,” says Daugherty. “As a board member of Eblen Charities, each year. I can think of no better way to reach out to the families we serve than through the wonderful partnership with Ingles, Eblen, the Brad Daugherty Foundation and all those who are joining us this year that we have the privilege of serving those in need this Thanksgiving.”
Brad began the program long before joining Eblen as each Thanksgiving he personally bought 50 turkeys or so and delivered them to families he knew needed a hand at the holidays. Since joining Eblen and Ingles and founding the Brad Daugherty Foundation, the program has grown to 1,000 this year.
The initial year of the partnership in 2006 saw more than 200 turkeys given away two days before Thanksgiving. It was after the last turkey was handed out that Brad decided that 200 turkeys were not enough, and upon hearing what Brad intended to do, Ingles Markets, members of the Eblen Charities Board, and other friends were eager to join him in Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving.
“We were so pleased with the response we received these past five years, and that Ingles and so many others have added so much to the program, especially in these troubled times when we are assisting a record number of families.
It is a great honor to serve our community and thanks to those board members and friends joining Brad and Ingles Markets, so many more families will be able to enjoy the holidays,” remarks Bill Murdock, executive director of Eblen Charities.
Each turkey weighs between ten and fourteen pounds which allows even the largest table to feed their families and friends.
Our heartfelt gratitude to Brad; Ingles Markets; Cargill; Butterball; Eblen Charities board; staff members, and friends, Susan Ableidinger, Carole Clark, Neal Hanks, Donna Parsons, Sonya Greck, Rick Guthy, Dave White, Tom and Debbie Swaynguim, Joe and Bobbi Eblen, Tony Baldwin, Dave White, Tammy McIntosh, Renee Russell, Bill Waddell, Rick Perkins, Margie Eblen, and Roger Aiken and special thanks to Tom Outlaw, Melisa Leavell, and David Bay of Ingles Markets.
And most of all we thank the families who allow us to share Thanksgiving with them and their loved ones in bringing a wonderful meal and many smiles to those we have the pleasure to serve. For more information on the Daugherty Foundation please contact Bill Murdock at 828-42-2848 or by email at eblenfound@aol.com
