MARION -- Things are starting to look up for the All-Star program at the Boyton Street Community Center.
After the program and its usual fundraising efforts being ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, two events hold the promise of funding the needs of the program.
While it will have a different look, the annual chili dinner will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Board member Dean Henderson has stepped up to head the effort that has attracted community support to help ensure its success.
His employer, Woodforest Bank, is pitching in to donate materials. Jeff and Margaret Diederich are providing ingredients for 300 servings of chili. Further support is coming from other members of the board, Pepsi MidAmerica, and John Holst and the Zion United Church of Christ.
BSCC board chair Lisa Wilson said the event will be held as a "drive in dinner," and will include chili, crackers, cheese, onions, and drink for $5.
In addition to the dinner, there is also an opportunity to "Adopt an All-Star," an idea that emerged last month when Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) visited the BSCC to see the program in action.
For $100, people can "adopt" an All-Star for the calendar year. The funds from this will help to provide or educational needs, field trips, and other program essentials.
Fowler will also be sponsoring a group of All-Stars, but he wasn't the first to pledge.
Bill and Yvonne Wilson were the first to step up for that program, less than 24 hours after it was announced.
The Wilsons are aware of the importance of the program to the children and families it serves as well as to the future of the community.
"I would ask all my friends to consider helping out as Yvonne and I have," said Bill.
Local businessman Steve Fowler also jumped in, sponsoring five All-Stars.
"If it's to help the kids, count me in," he said.
Marion Mayor Mike Absher and Williamson County State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti have also stepped up to sponsor.
A link to information on sponsoring is available on The Marion Republican Facebook page.
