Frightful weather is delightful for annual troop fundraiser

Not even rainy and cool weather could dampen the spirit of the annual Cookout for the Troops hosted by the Fayette County Public School System’s Transportation Department.

Mother Nature may not have cooperated, but the smell of hotdogs roasting on the grill and displays of red, white and blue beckoned to over 250 participants who showed up to enjoy a hearty lunch and try their luck at winning some fabulous prizes, all for a great cause.

Eight years and counting, the department has hosted the fundraiser to generate funds to purchase gift cards for the county’s men and women serving in the United States military. This year’s event netted over $2,500, all of which will enable the transportation department to send gift cards to deployed troops throughout the year as well as provide Christmas gifts.

Fayette residents who have a friend or loved one serving in the military can request to have a gift card sent to their solider by mailing his or her name and address to: The Troops, 210 Stonewall Avenue, Fayetteville, GA 30214. Please include a local contact and telephone number. The deadline for submitting names is May 15.

Each March, the county’s school bus drivers and monitors work countless hours organizing the cookout, and going door to door to Fayette businesses soliciting give aways and monetary donations. The drivers also provide the food and desserts that are enjoyed by those who attend.

Businesses throughout the county generously supported this year’s cookout by donating prizes that included handmade quilts, rugs, jewelry, gift certificates and artwork.