Photo provided The First Financial Bank team, led by Jake Fedor, won over 21 other teams during the June 16 Hoosier Egg Fest and Food Festival. Sponsored by Thompson Furniture and Mattress, the event brought in $32,000 for the Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund.
Bartholomew County residents turned out to show support for the Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund at the annual Hoosier Egg Fest and Food Festival.
Nearly two dozen teams raised about $32,000 for the Cheer Fund. The co-chairman of the holiday charity, Ben Noblitt, says that amount is “huge.”
“That’s double what we have ever done with Hoosier Egg Fest,” Noblitt said.
The festival, held twice a year, is a charitable event sponsored during the last 10 years by Thompson Furniture and Mattress, 2440 Central Ave. When Egg Fest is held the Saturday before Father’s Day, proceeds go to the Cheer Fund. When the event returns in the autumn, the money is contributed to Turning Point Domestic Violence Services.
To date, the event has generating $167,200, according to Spencer Thompson, the fourth generation of his family to run the business.
“The total shows a lot of support for us, and for what Thompson Furniture does for the community,” Noblitt said.
Last December, the Cheer Fund distributed holiday gift boxes carrying well over $100 worth of toys and other items to 1,129 children.
While the longevity of the holiday charity for children is frequently cited, Thompson Furniture was founded in 1927 – three years before the Cheer Fund was established.
The term ‘egg fest’ refers to the Big Green Egg, Inc., an Atlanta, Georgia-based manufacturer of kamado-style ceramic charcoal barbecue cookers and related accessories.
The company is primarily known for producing the Big Green Egg, a line of various grills identified by their egg-shape and distinctive dark green color. All food at the Hoosier Egg Fest and Food Festival is prepared on this type of grill.
On June 16, there were 22 teams competing to provide the best food for patrons to sample. The team that raised the most money through tips is considered the winner. In terms of fundraising, the First Financial Bank team, led by Jake Fedor, earned top honors. The team voted by judges to have the best food was Remax Team Columbus, led by Ryan Crissinger.
Year-round fundraisers, ranging from motorcycle rides to musical performances at local venues, have long been held for the Cheer Fund, Noblitt said.
But a more recent year-round phenomenon are supporters who seek out gift items available for sale prices through online shopping services, Noblitt said. Many toys are purchased and usually delivered to Fire Station 1, 1101 Jackson St.
