Clifton Forge—Appalfolks of America Association has incorporated its “Giving Tree Fund Drive” with Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29.
Appalfolks, based in Clifton Forge, was founded in 1985, and as a 501 ( c ) nonprofit organization that promotes the literary and performing arts in Southern Appalachia, Appalfolks founded The Virginia Opry on Oct. 17, 1992.
The Virginia Opry has grown from its original 10 members to 65 members who constitute 12 bands, and Governor Ralph S. Northam signed “Senate Bill 283” into law on March 31, 2020, designating The Virginia Opry as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official Opry.
The “Encyclopedia of Appalachia,” a 2006 publication by the University of Tennessee Press, cites Appalfolks for its good work accomplished in helping Appalachian youth.
The year the publication was released, Appalfolks released “STARS,” a documentary film made in Clifton Forge and the Historic Masonic Theatre that Appalfolks owned and operated from 1991 till 2003 when the nonprofit donated the theatre to the Town of Clifton Forge.
“STARS” is the acronym for Special Theatrical Artists Revue and Showcase, and the troupe made its debut in 1996 with 10 members. The troupe has grown to include 30 members who face intellectual challenges and/or physical disabilities.
Appalfolks received a Bronze Telly in 2006 for “STARS,” and STARS will perform “A Christmas To Remember” on Sun., Dec. 4, at 3:00 p.m. at the Good News Church on Main in Covington.
The Virginia Opry will perform two Christmas shows for the first time in its history.
Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters will perform “White Christmas with the Drifters at The Virginia Opry” on Sat., Dec. 17, at 7:00 p.m. at The Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge and “The Virginia Opry’s 30th Anniversary Christmas Show with Charles Billingsley” at the Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center on Thurs., Dec. 22, at 6:00 p.m.
Appalfolks will devote “The Virginia Opry Radio Hour” which is broadcast on WREL’s Big Dawg Country 100.3 in Lexington from 5:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. to raise funds for Giving Tuesday, and a podcast will be run throughout the day at Good Place Farms in Lexington to encourage the public to donate on Giving Tuesday.
The following individuals have made early donations for Giving Tuesday: Maureen Stec, Eldon Secrest, Bill Tuttle and David B. Davis.
Other early donations have been made by Nicely Auction Company, Jack Mason’s Tavern, Luca Pizzeria, Jackson River Credit Union, Chapman Plumbing & Heating, Loving Funeral Home, Cucci Pizzeria, John Stone Insurance, Nicely Funeral Home, Hall Funeral Home, Ingevity and WestRock.
Those who wish to donate to Appalfolks on Giving Tuesday may do so by calling Executive Director of The Virginia Opry Justin Peery at (540) 968-1037. He will be co-hosting the podcast along with The Virginia Opry’s Music Director Johnny King.
Donations can also be made online by visiting thevirginiaopry.com.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.