More than 600 people attended “A Songwriters’ Night” at Briar Patch Farm on April 20. The event benefitted the local non-profit organization Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN), which raised thousands of dollars to continue its mission in Greene and Putnam counties.
Briar Patch Farm owner Mike Rainey raises dairy and beef cattle on his 600-acre spread off Pea Ridge Road and has turned what looks on the outside like a huge metal barn into perhaps the largest indoor entertainment venue in Putnam County.
“(Rainey) is a true believer in helping make the community better,” NHN President Bob Massey said. “Mike and Kathy Rainey worked hard to bring in two enthusiastic Nashville singer/songwriters – Lee Thomas Miller and Wendell Mobley – and, with help from NHN and all the volunteers, produced a magical night of music and fun. The Raineys are a true blessing for this community.”
Many fans from around the area brought their own food and drink or chowed down on tasty Wagyu beef burgers onsite. Desserts and coffee were also provided by P.J.’s Coffee Café in Greensboro.
The NHN fundraiser included an online auction featuring sports memorabilia and guitars played by some of the country’s most famous performers – even one that had been used by Taylor Swift. Inside the “barn” (in addition to the entertainment), a live auction featured vacation weeks at a mountain home and one at the beach. There also was a raffle for a special night at a Braves game.
However, the best gift of the evening came from local folks in the crowd who each donated $250 to build beds and provide bedding for 101 children in Putnam and Greene counties who do not have their own places to sleep.
Beds for Kidz is one of the main programs of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Since the organization began three years ago, more than 450 children in the two-county area have received beds with mattresses, sheets, blankets, pillows, and even a stuffed animal to help them have sweet dreams and enjoy a better life.
Thanks to donations and memberships, NHN also assists in making critically needed home repairs for people who cannot do the work themselves.
Along with local specialists, NHN has fixed roofs, dilapidated ceilings and floors, as well as rewired electricity or fixed plumbing, rebuilt shabby bathrooms, installed wheelchair ramps, and much more. NHN also repairs or buys vehicles for families needing transportation to work, school, or recurring medical appointments.
One night on a farm in Putnam County raised enough money to dramatically support Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ mission of giving a hand up—not a handout—to our neighbors in need.
For more information about Neighbors Helping Neighbors, visit nhnga.org online.