September 05, 2010
Beneficiaries

The Redneck Performing Arts Association (RPAA) is proud to announce the results and recipients of the funds generated from Spittoono XXIX, held August 21st through the 23rd in Clemson. The 2007 event generated a gift of $6,000.00 to local charities, the 2008 more than doubled that amount to $13,000.00, and 2009 generated a gift of $13,300.

“We had huge crowds this year, bigger than we had ever seen” says Jeremiah Hurley, Vice President of the RPAA. “With the help of our sponsors, we were able to bring in people that had never heard of us before, even though this is our twenty eighth consecutive year” he went on to say.

This year’s theme for the event, “Evolutionary Redneck”, certainly summed up the atmosphere. With local celebrities like John Cessarich stopping by, and Skip and Matt from The Rise Guys Morning show on 93.3 the Planet coming up to entertain for a few minutes, the event was certainly noticed by many newcomers.

The thirteen charities that will benefit from the funds, are as follows:

  • The Whitten Center
  • The Collins Children Home
  • SC Guardian ad Litem Program
  • Helen’s Hugs
  • Country Santa
  • For The Hounds
  • Helping Hands
  • Clemson Free Clinic
  • Clemson Community Care
  • Toys for Tots
  • The Anderson and Oconee County Animal Shelters
  • Foothills Humane Society of Pickens County
  • SC Jaycee Foundation

The RPAA wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to all 18 bands and the many sponsors for this year’s festival. Additionally, those individuals that religiously assist with the set-up, operation, and take down of the mayhem are also greatly appreciated. “Without all of the assistance we received, it would have never been the success that it has”, says Justin Rakey.

Organizers for the event are already planning for next year, and those die-hard patrons that wish to mark their calendars now should plan on seeing us again next year, August 19th through August 21st, 2010.
Brief explanations of the beneficiaries are below.

Helen’s Hugs: Helen’s Hugs is a non-profit organization established in memory of Helen Corontzes after she died tragically in March of 2006. All funds generated provide opportunities for special children to participate in therapeutic equestrian programs. For more information, visit www.helenshugs.org.
Whitten Center: Home for children in need of shelter for various reasons. Located in Clinton, SC, the Whitten Center is one of the most established agencies of its kind in the state. For more information, contact (864) 833-2733
Helping Hands: Helping Hands of Clemson is an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children, primarily serving Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties in upstate South Carolina. Since opening its doors in 1984, they have become the state’s largest emergency shelter for children. For more information, visit www.helpinghandsofclemson.org.
Clemson Community Care: To assist persons in difficult circumstances with necessities such as food, shelter and utilities, and to help them to become self-sufficient through educational programs and advocacy. Services include a food pantry, heating/cooling assistance, rental assistance, home repairs, children’s programs, an extensive referral service and more. For more information, visit www.clemsoncommunitycare.org.
For the Hounds: Organized in 2003, this volunteer and non-profit charity focuses mainly on Greyhound rescue, but are also a sight hound placement group. Although a relatively small organization, their members have vast experience and dedication working with all sight hounds (Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Borzoi, Whippet, Afghan, Saluki ). Their goal is to match the right hound with their perfect family. For more information, visit www.forthehounds.com.
Camp Hope: Jaycee Camp Hope is a statewide residential camp for mentally challenged citizens. Its purposes are to give the camper helpful experiences in an outdoor environment, develop the ability to work and play as a group, and provide new experiences unique to a camp setting. For more information, visit www.clemson.edu/outdoorlab/camps.
Collins Home: Collins Home provides a home for children between the ages of 5 - 18 who are in need of a stronger family support system. Their goal is the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social and physical development of our children, and the eventual reunification with their natural families whenever possible. For more information, visit www.collinschildrenhome.org.