Food City is continuing a decades-long commitment to Scouting in East Tennessee with a $6,000 donation to the Great Smoky Mountain Council.
The contribution will support the council’s annual Round Up, a fall recruitment campaign that introduces children and families to local Scouting opportunities.
Betsi James, Food City special events manager, presented the check to Nathan Cunningham, chief development officer for the Great Smoky Mountain Council.
The Round Up campaign helps local packs, troops and other Scouting units welcome new members at the beginning of the school year. Recruitment efforts connect families with nearby programs sponsored by schools, churches and civic organizations.
The Great Smoky Mountain Council of Scouting America serves more than 8,500 young people annually through five districts covering 21 East Tennessee counties.
Programs available through the council include Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts and Exploring. Depending on the program and age group, participants may take part in camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, shooting sports, community service and leadership activities.
Council leaders describe Scouting as more than outdoor recreation. Its programs are designed to build character, confidence, leadership skills and a commitment to serving others.
Food City’s support of the council stretches back more than 30 years. The company has provided assistance for membership drives, youth recruitment and fundraising efforts, including the Bruce Atkins Memorial Golf Classic, Scout ticket sales, Camp Card sales and annual popcorn sales.
Food City also has supported Scouting for Food initiatives. Through that partnership, Scouts have collected more than 1.5 million cans of food for people in need, according to information previously released by the company.
Food City’s longtime work with the council was recognized in 2019 when Emerson Breeden, the company’s director of community relations, received the council’s North Star Award. The national award recognizes people who are not registered Scouting volunteers but have made significant contributions to Scouting programs.
This year’s $6,000 contribution will help the council continue reaching new families through the fall Round Up and connecting young people with volunteer-led programs in their communities.
Families interested in joining can learn more, locate their district and find a nearby Scouting unit through the Great Smoky Mountain Council.
Betsi James is the special events manager for the Food City Knoxville division.
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