SoKY’s Choice: Hometown Showdown III raises more than $55,000 for new TJ Rehabilitation Center
GLASGOW, Ky. (WNKY) — The annual Hometown Showdown returned Saturday night with big performances and an even bigger impact, raising more than $55,000 for the TJ Community Mission Foundation and its planned state-of-the-art rehabilitation center at the TJ Health Pavilion.
The lip-sync event, known for its high energy and community participation, drew a packed crowd. Organizers said the fundraiser continues to grow each year thanks to broad local support and the foundation’s mission to strengthen healthcare services across the region.
Founded in 2014, the TJ Community Mission Foundation supports programs ranging from community medical care to rehabilitation services and major facility improvements.
“It connects every age and demographic, and we’re just tremendously proud to be part of it,” a BAIRD representative said during the event.
The TJ rehabilitation team, which has won the showdown for the past two years, was honored on stage with a “Hometown Showdown Lip Sync Battle Hall of Fame” plaque for its continued involvement and back-to-back victories. Though the team did not compete this year, members said the fundraiser directly supports the work they do with patients every day.
“We’re passionate about what we do, and this new facility is going to let us treat patients like we’ve never been able to before,” said Alex Love, a representative of the rehab team.
Saturday’s event also included crowd-favorite moments from younger participants, including local children Bentley Miller and Memphis Smith, who were spotlighted on stage during their Grand Champion win with Metcalfe County Schools.
One contestant, dressed as Grammy award-winner Neil Diamond, celebrated with the microphone trophy energized the crowd with a call-and-response that had attendees chanting, “So good, so good, so good!”
Organizers said the money raised will move the new rehabilitation center closer to construction, helping expand services for patients from across the region.
SoKY’s Choice is brought to you by J.C. Kirby and Son Funeral Chapels Crematory
