Vending, TV used as RCF fund tools
Rotary Club of Farragut members brought attention to charitable needs in the community during its meeting in Farragut Community Center Wednesday, Nov. 1.
In one case, Fred Adomat, also a member of Volunteer State Honor Guard, was on television at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, sharing Honor Guard’s need for donations with Operation Honor Guard.
Since then, he said close to $90,000 was raised. As a member of VSHG, Adomat said his unit uses volunteers to hold or present rifles and take care of families during military funerals.
“We’ve done close to 300 funerals. Usually, it’s every other day,” Adomat added.
To make a donation, visit Operation Honor Guard at www.operationhonorguard.us, Adomat said.
“All our money goes to supporting the Honor Guard itself,” he added. “A few years back, we made a little over $100,000, which we shared for the groups of Honor Guard participants. We bought a new van, which we needed.
“Our uniforms are self-paid for. We don’t take any donations from anybody (for individual Honor Guard members).
Expressing the need
“There was an article … six months ago, talking about how difficult it is when service members pass away, and there’re trying to get a military funeral with the Honor Guard,” RCF member Noah Myers said. “As folks get older, it’s hard to go out there, in the rain and shine, and do that.
“It’s a big volunteer commitment, and we appreciate what you’re doing, Fred,” Myers added.
“It’s an honor to serve these families,” Adomat said. “The other five branches of service have cut back a lot. They used to send a team of six people … now just two people.
“We need your help,” he added.
RCF member Farrell Levy recalled when his mother, who also served in the Army in World War II, passed away.
“(The Honor Guard) did her funeral,” Levy said. “It was pretty impressive and a great job.”
Vending-church
On a separate charity-related matter, using an unusual fundraising method, RCF member Alex Barnwell told members about another opportunity to give before the holiday season approaches.
“There is something that is new to the area that is sponsored by my church, ” he said.
Barnwell said The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sponsoring the “Light the World Giving Machine” from Wednesday, Nov. 15 through Tuesday, Nov. 28.
“It’s a vending machine that you can actually go into and donate from $5 to $250 to different charities and organizations,” he said. “They are actually going to have this machine set up at At Home (11501 Parkside Drive) in Turkey Creek.
“There are four local charities — Bridge Refuge Services, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, Knox Education Foundation, Metro Drug Coalition,” he said, adding there are other charities as well.
“I understand every donation goes straight to the non-profits. It’s a pretty unique thing that’s happening in bigger cities and coming to our way.”
