Area Relief Ministries – Room in the Inn has rescheduled the Salt & Light Benefit Dinner from Sept. 10 to Oct. 13, 2020, to give the community more time to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and with the hope that by that time, more people will feel comfortable with larger gatherings, according to a Tuesday afternoon news release.
“We were concerned about the safety and comfort of people because we anticipate a very large event,” Dr. Martha Robinson, president of ARM’s Board of Directors, said. “We are anticipating a lot of young people and we want to make sure that things are settled down with the pandemic.”
NFL Legend Eddie George will serve as the event’s keynote speaker at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., and George will take the stage at 7 p.m.
“Eddie has an inspiring story to share with our young people and young athletes,” Robinson said. “This is the perfect opportunity for schools and coaches to sponsor their players and let them interface with him and be inspired.”
The Salt & Light Benefit Dinner serves as Area Relief Ministries’ largest annual fundraiser. Smaller events typically take place during the year such as Family Fun Fest, Rib Sale and Hub Classic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic Area Relief Ministries continued to support homeless men through its FreshSTART Program and Room in the Inn. With the generous support of local churches, the Room in the Inn extended its program to give men a safe and clean environment to shelter in place during the COVID-19 quarantine while the Fresh Start program offered men opportunities to gain job skills, earn income and transition to an independent life.
Although donations declined slightly during the quarantine, ARM continued to provide citizens in need of hygiene items, food and laundry detergent.
“If people want to donate tangible items, they can, but we also welcome monetary contributions,” Robinson said.
Area Relief Ministries is a religious, nonprofit organization that aims to alleviate suffering, promote dignity and foster hope for the homeless and those facing homelessness. ARM has been helping individuals and families for more than 40 years.
For more information about the event or to inquire about sponsorships, individuals may contact Mike Roby at mroby@eplus.net or call 731-234-5642.
About Eddie George
With a professional football career spanning nine seasons, George broke records and received a host of awards including NFL Rookie of the Year. He spent eight years with the Tennessee Titans before he officially retired in 2006. He was a star running back at The Ohio State University where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1995. He also served as the spokesman for Gov. Phil Bredesen’s GetFitTN program. Presently, George has multiple business endeavors including wealth management, acting, philanthropy and offering his wealth of knowledge as a sports analyst. The Tennessee Titans retired Eddie George’s No. 27 jersey Sept. 15, 2019.