Giving Back to the Community: Corn Fest gives to VAC, local Red Cross

Reprinted from The Daily Chronicle and Midweek News:

Two local organizations recently received some funding from the DeKalb Corn Fest Committee.

Members of the Corn Fest Committee recently donated $2,000 to the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) and $1,000 to the DeKalb County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The donated money was part of the proceeds from this year's Corn Fest.

“We decided to give to the Red Cross and VAC for their on-going commitment to Corn Fest and to the area,” Lisa Wilcox, chairperson for the Corn Fest Committee, said. “They are very valuable to the area, and we wanted to show our appreciation.”

Members of the Corn Fest Committee donate money to local organizations each year. Wilcox said, this year, they decided to donate funding to the Red Cross and the VAC, because they assisted residents who were affected by the flood in August.

Members of the DeKalb County Chapter of the American Red Cross provided shelter to residents who were displaced from their homes as a result of the flood, and officials from VAC transported food to the flood victims.

“It was a difficult weekend for everyone, but we wanted to make something positive out of it...,” Wilcox said. “It was a no-brainer this year with the flood.” The flood also affected this year's Corn Fest. Activities had to be cancelled during the first day of the festival because of the flood.

“We didn't come out as well as we would of liked either with the flooding, because we had to cancel Friday, but we still wanted to give something back to the community,” Wilcox said.

Todd Latham, chairperson for the DeKalb County Chapter of the American Red Cross Board, said he is pleased that the Corn Fest Committee donated money to his organization. “I think it's great. I really appreciate the Corn Fest's donation to the Red Cross,” Latham said.

“It couldn't have come at a better time, especially with the events that occurred during the flood.” Brad Gibbs of the Voluntary Action Center said he also appreciates the funding that his organization received from the Corn Fest Committee.

“It's greatly appreciated. (The Corn Fest Committee) is a good organization,” Gibbs said.

During previous years, members of the Corn Fest Committee have donated funding to Hope Haven, the Boys Scout organization, Egyptian Theatre, ReNew DeKalb and CASA-DeKalb County, Inc.