Events benefit those with developmental disabilities

 

COAL GROVE — The Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities is looking to spice up March madness — literally!

The LCBDD will hold the 13th Annual Chili Fest and Craft Show at Dawson-Bryant High School on Saturday, followed next week by basketball games featuring our DD community, local media stars from The Tribune, and elected officials from Lawrence County.

March is celebrated as DD Awareness Month to help the community realize the importance of the developmentally disabled as part of the community. The statewide theme for this year’s activities focuses on bringing the community together to accomplish more.

These events, along with the second annual 5K run/walk held on March 10, help to show support for the members of our community living with developmental disabilities. The 5K turned out 177 runners and walkers from the area.

“We were very pleased with the turnout,” says Tim Nunnery, Public Relations and Personnel Director of the LCBDD. “And the turnout for the Chili Fest and Craft Show is no different. We usually aim for 25 cookers, and we exceeded that mark by having 29 registered cookers this year.”

Richard Harris, a client with the LCBDD, has participated in chili cooking every year that he could, and even walked away with the top prize in the individual’s category last year.

“I like to compete, but win or lose, I’m happy to be a part of it,” says Harris. “This year is special for me. I’m dedicating my participation in honor of my dad.” Harris’ father died in February.

Following the Chili Fest, the DD Awareness Basketball games will be held on Tuesday night at Dawson Bryant. Along with the traditional games between Tri-State Industries and Open Door School, this year local elected officials from Lawrence County has put together a team to challenge employees from The Tribune, a game which will raise awareness and money for the LCBDD.

Michael Caldwell, publisher of The Tribune, and Les Boggs, county commissioner, have promised Nunnery a full-on competitive game.

“I think we may want to have police on hand,” Nunnery jokes. “But in all seriousness, their participation is great; along with the help from volunteers from our programs, Collins Career Center, and the county juvenile center, we’re able have these events.”

The Chili Fest begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday and concludes at 2 p.m. The DD Awareness basketball games will begin at approximately 5:30 on Tuesday night at Dawson-Bryant High School.