A benefit that started with a wedding reception has turned into an annual event that provides Christmas toys for children in Bledsoe County schools.
Each June, Mike and Kellady Bledsoe open the grounds of their property, The Lucky Starr in Sequatchie Valley, 6.5 miles from Pikeville, Tenn. The Lucky Starr is located at 6086 Upper East Valley Road. People come to fish, listen to live music and enjoy nature’s beauty – and all they have to do is donate a new, unwrapped toy.
The sixth annual Bledsoe Summer Bash and Toy Drive is set for Saturday, June 24. Gates open at 2 p.m., and music starts at 4 p.m. Guests will have until noon Sunday to clean up and clear out.
“We got married in April 2012 at the courthouse and decided to have a big party in June with our friends and family,” says Kellady. “Everyone at the reception said it was so beautiful up here, we needed to have events on the property.”
After the second year’s summer party, the couple decided they wanted to help provide Christmas toys for area children, so they asked their June visitors for either a cash donation or new, unwrapped toy as admission to the third year’s party.