Pubdate: Wed, 01 Sep 2004 Source: Manchester Times (TN) Copyright: Manchester Times 2004 Contact: http://www.manchestertimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1863 Author: Linda Barr, editor Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n870/a10.html CHRISTIAN YOUTH RALLY A SUCCESS Although attendance at the "Youth, A Celebration of Life" rally at the Rotary Park Saturday wasn't quite what organizers anticipated, the event was definitely a success. The community united to bring a Christian festival to the area's young people free of charge. Teens clapped and swayed to the music of the three bands that volunteered their time for the cause. Good, clean fun was had by all. The Heaven Bound Cloggers danced in the street to the sounds of heart-moving, soul-searching music that encouraged reflection on life and its ultimate meaning. The gospel was shared with young and old alike in an open forum without fear-a testament to the freedom we enjoy in this country. The Coffee County Sheriff's Department stepped up to the plate with a generous donation of $5,000 from the drug fund, the first large donation for the rally, according to the Alliance for Community Outreach. The Alliance, a non-profit, Christian counseling group, facilitated the event by involving volunteers who helped with everything from cooking hamburgers and hotdogs to baking cookies. It is impossible to thank the many individuals who donated their time and talents behind the scenes to make what began as a small dream a reality. With a little prayer and hard work, the event could become the equivalent of a Christian Bonnaroo. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D