Vern Crabtree has been a man on a mission these past weeks: raise funds for a new Jere Whitson playground.  Setting high aspirations, he aimed for $200K in total funds, and quickly gained partnerships in area churches, anonymous donors and the full support of area Director of Schools Kathleen Airhart, along with other school leadership like Dr. Linda Nash.

On Saturday May 30^th Crabtree organized a fundraising carnival hosted by ATMS in celebration of the end of the school year for Putnam County students.   Fundraising efforts to date total $30K -- $15K in donations with a $15K donor match. 

On what seemed to be the first truly hot day this year,  a crowd of happy, laughing people came to play. 

Smiling children walking around enjoying snow cones, riding Sinbad the Camel and getting their faces painted while parents delightedly watched their children enjoying the carnival fundraiser.

Dr. Kathleen Airhart , Director of Schools enjoyed riding Sinbad the camel with her grandson Wyatt Childress.  The smiles were endless as she and her grandson took the ride with Sinbad the Camel.  Grandson Wyatt seemed undaunted by the camel, waving and riding with Vern Crabtree as well.  Crabtree was a little less enthused about camel-back adventures.  

Five year old Chaylin Cunningham and the crowd gathered to watch her give an attempt at the dunking tank.  The crowd laughed in excitement as she successfully dunked Dr. Linda Nash, Principal of ATMS into the pool of water.  Dr. Nash was one of many who took their turns being dunked today.  As Dr. Nash would shout out “Former Student, Former Student, getting revenge.” 

Officer Mike Smith with the D.A.R.E. program also took his turn in the dunk tank and was successfully dunked several times.

There were many booths set up offering popcorn, snow cones, hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, snacks and sodas. 

The CHS JROTC headed up the table to purchase raffle tickets for the very nice prize, an 800 lb steer that was donated by a former Jere Whitson student who has also graciously offered to have the steer processed and packaged for the winner. 

The CHS JROTC also sold raffle tickets prior to the carnival to teachers and facility members at their school as well as to the general public.  The JROTC volunteers also were selling popcorn and snow cones.  The JROTC volunteers were: Megan England, Nathan Howell, Justin Farmer and Jonathan Rios.

Many other booths consisted of Cookeville Jaycees selling hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and candy; TN National Guard Counter Drug Division with their traveling museum and a rope course; D.A.R.E.; Face Painting sponsored by the Cookeville High Key Club; Camel rides by Sandy and the famous Sinbad sponsored by Maynard and Sons Petting Zoo, Bounce House, live radio broadcast coverage by

What a fun-filled day of activities and food and many thanks to all who came and contributed to help Jere Whitson try and achieve their new playground.

 Fundraising efforts continue throughout the community.  June 1st and 2nd, 5-8 p.m., Christy's restuarant will host an event as well.    If you'd like to make a donation, mark your check for Jere Whitson and send it to the Putnam County Schools, attention Jere Whitson Playground.