T.J. Community Mission Foundation takes fundraiser back to the ’80s

CAVE CITY, Ky. (WNKY) – Neon, nostalgia and classic arcade games took center stage as the T.J. Community Mission Foundation brought the 1980s back for its annual fundraising gala.

The event featured ’80s music and movies, pop culture trivia, a live auction, dinner and an arcade experience. Guests were encouraged to embrace the theme with neon clothing and ’80s costumes.

Randy Burns, executive director of the T.J. Community Mission Foundation, said the theme was designed to create a fun atmosphere while raising money for the foundation’s work.

The foundation is the philanthropic branch of T.J. Regional Health. Its programs support people in need and provide funding for capital projects for T.J. Samson Community Hospital and the health care network.

Burns said the response to the theme was overwhelmingly positive.

“There’s so much about the ’80s in terms of pop culture and the music and so forth that’s still resonating in the culture today and society today,” Burns said.

The foundation expected the event to raise between $70,000 and $75,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, donations and the live auction.

Burns said the event gave attendees a chance to support causes they care about while enjoying a night built around the decade’s music, movies and fashion.

“Through having a lot of fun, they’re also able to support the programs and projects that they’re passionate about,” Burns said.

The T.J. Community Mission Foundation plans additional fundraising events throughout the year, including an Extreme Fitness 5K in September and Hometown Showdown Part Four, a community lip-sync battle planned for the winter months.