Grandpa Jones once crossed a toaster with an electric blanket.
What he got, he joked, was a contraption that popped him out of bed.
That type of down-home humor was on display Saturday night at Park Theater as nonprofit organization Caring Hearts United performed “Hee Haw Warren County Style.”
There was singing, dancing and of course a few comedy skits.
“It shocked me how well everything went,” said Caring Hearts United founder Dianne Sneed, who said right at 300 were in attendance. “We’re not professionals, but everybody did such a good job. I had one gentleman tell me afterwards that he goes up to Gatlinburg to see shows all the time and this was as good as anything he’s seen there.”
Gary Bandy and Norman Franklin played together for the first time, singing the 1974 hit from Charlie Daniels called “Long Haired Country Boy” and received cheers from the crowd.
Judy Petit and Dale Sneed did a skit about country cooking and the Dixie Cloggers from Manchester were a delight with their dance routine.
“We practice once a week for two hours,” said Louise Simmons, leader of the Dixie Cloggers. “This is our short routine. Our longer routine we’ll perform for 35 to 40 minutes to eight or nine songs.”
“Hee Haw Warren County Style” was a fundraiser for Caring Hearts United, a group which provides for the needs of hospice patients.
“It’s a hard time in life and I’ve been through it with several family members myself,” said Dianne Sneed. “We know it’s tough and we just want to do what we can to put a smile on their face, even if it’s just for a little while.”
Caring Hearts United will help hospice patients purchase items like hospital bed sheets, if needed, or Ensure, a drink packed with nutrients for patients who may no longer be eating solid foods.
Providing care packages is the foundation of the organization and it distributed 634 care packages over the Fourth of July. The next holiday distribution will take place at Thanksgiving.
“It costs $5 to $6 for each care package so you can see how that adds up,” said Dianne. “We’ve already started getting items for the Thanksgiving packages, things we hope will brighten their day.”
Donations can be mailed to Caring Hearts United, 352 South Chancery Street, McMinnville, 37110. There is also a link for donations on the organization’s Facebook page.
