Chimes for Charity breaks $4,000 for Wednesday's total

Scott Staggs (left) and Matthew Gant (right) with Dyersburg's First United Methodist Church Sojourners and Seekers keep up with the bidding during Wednesday evening's Chimes for Charity. The small jar behind the sign contained the hot item of the night, pickled pigs lips. [Click to enlarge]

Bidding was heated during the chilly evening hours of Wednesday's Chimes for Charity. Dyersburg's First United Methodist Church Sojourners and Seekers sponsored the night as the Dyer County Chapter of the FFA helped man the phones and run numbers.

Wednesday's total was $4,062.50 with 71 children sponsored. The overall total is $11,494.50 of the $35,000 needed and 237 children are sponsored out off the 900 in need.

"We've had a really good year so far," said Chimes for Charity Co-Chair Kim Hill. "Monday and Tuesday night's totals exceeded last year's, so I'm really excited."

Hill said the hot item for the evening was a donated case of pickled pigs lips.

She also wants to remind residents that it's not too late to donate items to be auctioned off.

"Just give us a call and we'll pick them up or you can drop them by, " said Hill.

Members of the Dyer County FFA Chapter assisted in Wednesday evening's Chimes for Charity, which raised a total of $4,062.50 with 71 children sponsored. Dyer County FFA members (from left): Cary Smith, Kelsey Jordan, Heath McLean, Xavier Newby, Brandy Eastwood and Jerry Leggett. [Click to enlarge]

Dyer County FFA Chapter Vice President Brandy Eastwood was one of the people assisting in Wednesday's auction and said it is a good community service project for the chapter. This was also the first time the chapter has assisted in the event.

"I watch Chimes for Charity all the time and I thought it would be really good to get our name out in the community," said Eastwood.

The chapter also donated gift certificates for their annual plant sale to be auctioned off.

Thursday evening's sponsors will be Sez-Sew and Curry's Funeral Home.

Chimes for Charity will air on Channel 4, WTRO AM 1450 and Eagle 97.3 from 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and will start at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Call 286-0833 to donate items, bid or sponsor a child. Call often and bid high!