CLIFTON FORGE — Appalfolks of America has completed its Poetry-A-Thon that has received $600 from donors in four states in support of CAYA Ministries of Clifton Forge.
“I wish to thank the four poets who joined me in reading poems on the Buckhorne Stage here at the Buckhorne Country Store and Campground,” said M. Ray Allen, founder and president of Appalfolks.
Kathy Clarke, Dwayne Clark, Connie Clark and Anmarie Herald were the four guest poets who joined Allen in reading their original poems.
The Poetry-A-Thon raised funds for Alfred “Mustard” Dearing Sr.’s CAYA Ministries that has been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Allen and the four poets, all regular participants in the Alleghany Highlands Writers’ Workshop held bi-monthly at the Clifton Forge Public Library and sponsored by Appalfolks and CFPL, took turns reading until 50 poems had been shared with the audience that included campers from three states.
Allen noted that donations for the Poetry-A-Thon came from donors from Nevada, Missouri, Ohio and Virginia, and that the Buckhorne Country Store and Campground made a generous donation and provided the Buckhorne stage free of charge.
Appalfolks of America has raised more than $2,000 for worthwhile causes via Poetry-A-Thons conducted at CFPL and at the Buckhorne Country Store and Campground’s Buckhorne stage.
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Appalfolks of America Association recently held a Poetry-A-Thon to raise funds for the CAYA Ministries of Clifton Forge. From left are Bishop Alfred “Mustard” Dearing, pastor of CAYA; guest poets Anmarie Herald and Kathy Clarke; and Ray Allen, Appalfolks president and founder. (P.E. Marshall Photo)