Tailgate for Palmer fundraiser supports Mississippi children

Published 9:58 am Friday, October 26, 2018

It may be a bye week for the Ole Miss Rebels, but Oxonians can still get their Grove on while supporting a cause on Saturday.

The Tailgate for Palmer event returns to Oxford on Saturday night, with is focus on raising funds to support The Palmer Children’s Home.

The congregation of Columbus’ First Presbyterian Church established the Palmer Home in the town in 1895. The orphanage has been serving as a home for children in Mississippi since that time, expanding from the original campus to include a second location in Hernando, Miss. in 2002.

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“(The event) is a reminder of the complete vulnerability a child has to their circumstances — circumstances which they don’t choose and have no power to change,” Tailgate for Palmer committee chair Elizabeth Randall said. “The bright side of this reality is that Palmer Home is the change agent for these kids, and we can come together and support their amazing work through this fun event.”

This year, the committee has set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to go towards the Palmer Home, Randall said.

As is tradition for the tailgate, the event will be hosted at the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center on the Ole Miss campus beginning at 7 p.m.

“We’re going to have football on the giant screens, some amazing food, tents and tables set up within the Manning Center, simulating The Grove,” Randall said. “It is a larger indoor tailgate, essentially exactly like The Grove feel.”

The night will also feature a performance by the Palmer Home for Children’s choir – known as the Treblemakers – something that Randall said is one of her favorite parts of the evening.

“It is a tangible reminder of Palmer Home’s important mission, which is to rescue and restore children who are in very hard circumstances,” Randall said.

Tickets for the event are $75 per person, which includes food and drink. Tent sponsorships are also available and will provide attendees with eight tickets and a reserved tailgate tent.

“It takes a community to support these children,” Sarah Hollis, Vice President of Engagement said. “By attending this event, you’re helping to raise these children – and it’s such a fun evening. The volunteers are working hard to make this event a big success. “We have high hopes of raising both awareness and support for Palmer Home’s mission than ever before.”

The Palmer Home receives no government support, making events like the Tailgate for Palmer essential to the organization’s ability to provide for the children entrusted to their care, Hollis said.

“It is a relaxed atmosphere,” Randall said. “With so many friends and community members coming together to support this while enjoying a convenient tailgate setting.”

To purchase tickets for the event, visit http://palmerhome.org/events or call 855-672-5637. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.