King Family Fun Day on May 17th, 2008 was a great success! Area businesses and vendors helped donate dozens of prizes, food, and their support as we helped raise money for 865 Student Ministries and the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley. Over 250 were in attendance for this great day that included a 10 vehicle car show, 6 foot dunk tank, 20 foot moon-bounce, and over 400 hotdogs and hamburgers!

Vendors from all over the North Knoxville area contributed including, Rusty Wallace Honda, Fox Toyota, Victory Nissan, Chick-Fil-A, Performance Products, Arby's, Motor Products, OfficeMax, Wal-Mart, Digi-Tek Computers, Armstrong Company, Sherwin Williams, TCI/Michelin Tire Centers, AVIS Rent-A-Car, and so many more. In all, over $1,500.00 worth of prizes were given away. A couple of lucky individuals walked away with cold, hard cash! Bill and Anita King wish to express their gratitude to everyone who came to the event, as well as to all those who helped to make the event possible.

Several local classic vehicle owners showed their support by bringing by some of their restored classics. Bob Sutton, owner of "Big Redd," brought in his 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback to the show. Just one of many vehicles that made an appearance, it definitely stood out from the rest of the crowd. Also present were two more 1960's Mustangs, and a Dodge Charger, in addition to others that day.

Local student ministry, "865," was on-hand to help staff the event, alongside the King Collision Repair and King Tire Center employees. The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley also had members of their group on hand as well. Board Member, Bunny Simmons, works along with others in her Society to help provide food, shelter, veterinary care, and homes for so many animals in the Eastern Tennessee area. While she was assisting with the cooking side of the event, the only quote this reporter could get her to say was, "This is great!"

 

This event also served as an open-house of sorts for King Collision Repair and King Tire Center. Both businesses were still busy throughout the day, performing oil changes, writing damage estimates, and assisting customers with questions they may have, all the while, encouraging them to have a hot dog or a hamburger. Mike Lowe, Manager of the Collision Repair store, broke away for a few minutes to attempt to dunk John Nolan, the student pastor of 865 Student Ministries. He succeeded numerous times.

"King Motor Company has made clear their desire to support our local community through this event," says Pastor John Nolan. "We were thrilled at the idea of helping out with this event, and I was glad that I could help by sitting in the dunking booth." His teenage group assisted in every way they could, from decorating to supervising games. Currently, King Motor Company is planning another Family Day next Spring, with plans to have over 1,000 in attendance.