TSP Press Release
TSP Fundraiser Set For August 1
In a time when events are being cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Good Shepherd Clinic is moving forward with its 18th Annual Tomato Sandwich Party (TSP) Fundraiser on August 1. According to board chair and event organizer Angie Bell, “There will be some traditions, some blasts from the past, and some definite changes in store for 2020.”
In keeping with tradition, the TSP will be the first Saturday in August. Because the event is the clinic’s major fundraiser, it will continue tradition by charging a $20 per person minimum donation to attend the event.
As a “blast from the past,” the venue is returning to First Baptist Church of Morrow (FBCM), 1647 Lake Harbin Road in Morrow. “Many past attendees may remember First Baptist served as host to several TSP’s back in the early to mid 2000’s,” said Bell.
The FBCM parking lot will allow guests to follow the driving trail to “stay in line on the vine!” Once again, Faculty Grass will perform their famous bluegrass music outdoors in another blast from the past, reminiscent from their days of playing in the garage at the home of Martha and Jim Wood.
To stay safe, maintain social distancing, and raise much needed funds for the clinic, there will be many creative changes this year that include:
• The 2020 TSP will be a drive-thru event – rain or shine!
• There is a time change — 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Drive-thru to buy your keepsake 2020 TSP T-shirt.
• Drive-thru or walk-up to visit the General Store.
• Drive-thru to purchase a sack of tomatoes.
• Keep driving as you listen to bluegrass music by Faculty Grass.
• Drive-thru to pick up your Swag Sack, including a Chick-fil-a box meal, tomato, water bottle, a mask with TSP logo, hand sanitizer with clinic logo, and more!
• Weather permitting, Bring Your Own Blanket to enjoy a socially distant picnic lunch on the grassy area beside the church and listen to Faculty Grass.
“This is uncharted territory for us, but we need to hold this event to continue the mission of the Good Shepherd Clinic,” said Bell. “We hope our long-time supporters will embrace the change and join us for this “first-ever” drive-thru Tomato Sack Party!”
Since the event needs to have a good headcount in advance of August 1, Bell encourages supporters to RSVP before July 30 by web link www.tomatosandwichparty.app.rsvpify.com to reserve their spot. “Chick-fil-A is graciously providing box lunches and we need a good count prior to the event,” said Bell.
The Tomato Sandwich Party is still seeking sponsors and donors to be part of the $10,000 TSP Matching Funds Campaign. Those interested are asked to call 770-960-5701 before July 24.
The Good Shepherd Clinic is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has provided free medical care to thousands of uninsured Clayton County residents since opening its doors in September 2000. Currently open three days a week and staffed primarily by medical and administrative volunteers, the clinic operates primarily as a healthcare home to its many patients providing ongoing healthcare for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and COPD. Access to medications and offering health education are other services the clinic provides to its patients.
