Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
The art festival aimed at helping Kathy and Kevin Troxell has picked up steam heading into the event on Saturday. The Troxells lost everything during a tornado that devastated Oklahoma recently. They are also friends of Kim Cooper, who has local connections in Bell County.
The students have raised close to $1,000 and have an end goal of $10,000.
The festival will begin in the Jim Brown Supply parking lot at 10 a.m. and conclude around 3 p.m. The event will feature balloons, face painting, popcorn, baked goods, art and donated items that will be for sale.
Proceeds raised during the festival will go to the Troxell family.
Since announcing the art festival and what it stands for, many people in the community have showed their support by donating items or money.
Coca-Cola/ Cumberland Gap Water donated water for the event. Kroger and Food City donated lemonade.
Several businesses have made monetary donations, including Jeff’s Pharmacy, Emily Steely of Downtown Radiology, Dallas Shackleford of Shackleford Motors and many others.
Erin Moyers, mother of Riley, Emma and Hayley, showed great appreciation to Doug Knuckles for allowing them to use the Jim Brown Supply parking lot for the festival.
“He has gone far and beyond to help the children,” said Moyers.
In addition, Knuckles has allowed the children to use his popcorn and cotton candy machine.
Stephanie Ramsey from Touch of Class donated balloons to the event. Penny Brindle, Belk’s store manager, donated men and women’s fragrance baskets worth $100 each.
Amy Brumbach and Mandy Ellis, from Some Like It Hot, donated five visits of mystic tan, one month of UV tanning, a full set of acrylic nails and one pedicure. Each prize will be raffled off.
An original UK wildcat painting by Russ Mills will be raffled off during the event.
Jeff Johnson of Johnco donated raffle tickets.
Allen Wilford designed the Oklahoma symbol to be placed on water bottles during the festival.
The kids who are responsible for the festival — Riley, Emma, Hayley, Isaac and Lakyn — went door to door asking for donations.
They said everyone in the community was generous.
“It started out so little and became a festival,” said Riley.
She the event began as a couple of pages of art and a lemonade stand. Now in includes a raffle, popcorn, cotton candy, balloons and much more.
“I want to follow in God’s footsteps,” said Riley. “He does good things for other people.”
Riley said she was inspired to participate by the Bible verse Romans 8:28, which states “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who loved him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
For information on making donations, contact Riley at 606-269-9880 or 302-7195.
Mail donations to 811 North 25th Street, Middlesboro, Ky. 40965.
Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com
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