The staff and volunteers for the Regional Interfaith Association collected 45,000 pounds of food to haul to RIFA storage bins through the 18th annual Canstruction event at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
There were 16 can-structures, designed and built by local businesses, manufacturers, churches and schools.
All the food used by the teams to build the structures goes straight into the food supply at the organization.
Delta Faucet Company’s Snoopy structure received the people’s choice, best meal and best of show awards.
JEA received honorable mention for their superman/kryptonite structure.
The spotlight award was taken back to Fellowship Bible Church for their fish basket structure.
First United Methodist Church created a hot air balloon, securing them the best original design award.
LyondellBasell’s volcano structure had the most cans of all the entries.
Tennalum created an hourglass structure, which received the structural integrity award.
The best use of labels awards was given to Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Tennessee for their logo/anniversary structure.
RIFA leadership expressed that the 22.5 tons of food will have a great impact on RIFA’s food supply for the remainder of the year.
“It allows us to further our mission of reaching out with the love of Christ to nourish people both spiritually and physically,” said Lisa Tillman, RIFA Executive Director.
Attendees were invited to vote with their dollars for their favorite structures, which raised some $19,000 for RIFA.
The Cleverlys provided entertainment for the 700 RIFA supporters in attendance, featuring family pickers and singers Digger, Lloyd, DVD, Bear and Quatro, which Digger fondly refers to as “the trio”.
