When fireworks exploded at Cedar Hill Farm earlier this month, the support for the Palmer Home also took off at the same time.
The agri-tourism attraction south of Hernando held its ninth annual Fireworks on the Farm on Sept. 8 and owner Robert Foster Thursday was able to provide the residential home for children in need, regardless of race, gender, or background, a check for $12,219.86. The amount was the proceeds from the event.
Foster noted the contribution of Pintail Construction, of Hernando, which helped sponsor the event and bolster the amount of money that could be given to Palmer Home.
Jay Hamm, who with Bryant Jernigan are co-owners of the custom home builder, said his company was proud to have a part in the event.
“We were blessed to be asked and to be the ones to sponsor it,” Hamm said. “I’ve lived in Hernando almost all of my life and the Palmer Home has always been a real rock of the community and all of DeSoto County. Hopefully, we can do it again in the future.”
“We had a big crowd and a lot of people came out in their cars with their families to watch the fireworks show,” Foster said. “We had over 450 vehicles this year. The Palmer Home for Children is a great cause and people look forward to this event each year.”
A desire to get outside and enjoy a family evening watching the fireworks may have helped attract the large turnout.
“I wasn’t sure if we were going to have a big turnout this year or not,” Foster said. “I think with it being an outdoor event and people being cooped up for so long, they were just ready to get out and do something and let their kids have some entertainment. It’s a good family environment and it was a good year for Palmer Home fundraising.”
Foster said Cedar Hill Farm has used the “Fireworks” event as a fundraiser for Palmer Home for Children each of the nine years it has been held.
“I just believe in their mission and I think they’re a great organization and we want to do our part to try and help our community,” Foster said.
Palmer Home has about 30 children at their rural Hernando home facility but with foster care, infant care, and the transitional care program for young adults, the organization serves nearly 100 youngsters.
Sarah Hollis, Palmer Home Director of Development, said her facility looks forward to the event each year.
“Cedar Hill Farm is a great partner for us and we’re like minded in our mission in helping families and children,” Hollis said. “To put things into perspective, this gift would fund the needs of one child for a whole year. We average about $1,000 a month per child for just basic needs. This is really going to make an impact on the life of a child.”
One of the additions that Hollis said Palmer Home is excited about is the addition of the Dr. Hugh Francis, Jr. Wellness Center. Site preparation is being completed with plans for groundbreaking later this fall. It will be the home’s largest gathering space for group and individualized activities as well as an event space to engage the public without compromising the privacy of children.
With over $30,000 raised leading up to this year’s Fireworks on the Farm, this year brought to more than $42,000 the amount of money provided to Palmer Home for Children.
The fireworks show was provided by Pyro Shows, Inc.
Cedar Hill Farm owner/operator Robert Foster gives Memory Craig (middle) and Sarah Hollis (right) of Palmer Home for Children a check for $12,219.86, the proceeds from the Fireworks on the Farm event held earlier in September at the farm south of Hernando. (Bob Bakken/DeSoto County News)
