Mount Vernon Community Club Giving Thanks and Giving Back

Cathy Alexander


Mount Vernon Community Club Giving Thanks and Giving Back

Photography by Carole Brooks

After a year of fundraising activities, the Mt. Vernon Community Club is giving back to the community that supported them. Four country ham and chicken pie suppers, along with rental proceeds from events held at the clubhouse, have netted the club $5,000.00 which were distributed to Mount Vernon-Ruth Elementary School, Hudlow Fire Department, Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church, Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, and Rutherford County Sheriff's Department.

According to club president, Emma Walker, those funds will help children in need at Mt. Vernon-Ruth Elementary School and provide training for firefighters. Mt. Vernon Baptist Church's Covered in Prayer Ministry will use the funds to make quilts and shawls for the sick and grieving while also supporting their upcoming mission trips. The funds designated for the Sheriff's department will assist in the purchase of bullet proof vests for our county's law enforcement officers.

While the club is delighted to be able to help others in so many ways, Walker is quick to give thanks to those that have made it all possible. "We want to acknowledge all of those in the community who are not actually members, but show up and help us with our fund raisers by helping prepare the ham, bringing desserts and chicken pies, serving food, washing dishes for hours at a time, and cleaning up after the event. And then, of course, another word of appreciation is due to those who come out to support us by joining us for our four annual fund raisers. We have folks that plan their family gatherings around our suppers. They not only love the meal, they love that feeling of community unity. Church groups from around the county come on their buses to eat with us. Without their support we would not be able to do what we do to support others in our community."

The Mount Vernon Community Clubhouse is located on Hudlow Road just south of it's intersection with US Highway 64. The suppers are scheduled annually for the second Saturday in October and November and again in February and March, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The menu includes country ham, chicken pie, green beans, slaw, grits, applesauce, red eye gravy, biscuits, homemade desserts and tea. Adults eat for $9 and children ages 6 to 12 for $5. Those 5 and younger eat for free. The clubhouse is also available for private events such as weddings or family reunions. Call 828-223-1768 for more information.

If you are interested in becoming involved you are invited to attend club meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. A covered dish dinner is served.