Buds Gun Shop & Range in Sevierville, Tenn. will host a special fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 10 for the Dollywood Foundation’s “My People Fund” to help local residents impacted by the recent Gatlinburg fires. On Saturday, anyone wishing to make a donation can stop at Buds Gun Shop & Range (2270 Two Rivers Road just off Winnfield Dunn Parkway and Knife Works Dr.) and donate to the My People Fund. Buds Gun Shop & Range will match every donation up to $20,000.
YouTube sensation Hickok45 and his son John will also be at Buds on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. to help in the fundraising efforts. Hickok45 currently has more than 2 million subscribers to his popular YouTube channel which features how-to videos, safety videos and firearm reviews. His videos have been viewed more than 500 million times. Hickok45 will give away a brand new DP-12 double-barrel, double-magazine shotgun from Standard Manufacturing Co. valued at over $1,300 in a free drawing during the fundraising event at Buds (must be present to win).
Buds Gun Shop & Range also launched a GoFundMe page (accessible through the Buds Gun Shop and Range TN Facebook page – facebook.com/BudsTN) to raise additional funds for victims of the fires. Information is also available at www.BudsGunShopTN.com. Buds will also match dollar-for-dollar every donation generated through the Buds GoFundMe page for My People Fund.
“Everyone in Sevier County knows someone impacted by the fires,” said Joe Murphy, CEO of Buds Gun Shop & Range. “We wanted to do something tangible for this community and the people who live here. We know the My People Fund will have an immediate positive impact for those in need, so we’re matching all donations we receive up to $20,000 this Saturday – it’s an easy way for people to double their giving.”
Dolly Parton announced last week the creation of the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund, established by Parton, The Dollywood Company, Parton’s dinner theaters and The Dollywood Foundation, to provide $1,000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. In less than 36 hours, the fund already had raised more than $1 million, but the need is much greater.
Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. The first funds from the My People Fund will be distributed Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 19-20 at the LeConte Events Center in Pigeon Forge. One check per household per month will be issued.
Buds Gun Shop & Range operates the largest gun store and shooting range in Tennessee (Sevierville) and the largest gun store and shooting range in Kentucky (Lexington). Buds Gun Shop & Range is located at 2270 Two Rivers Road just off Winnfield Dunn Parkway and Knife Works in Sevierville (just minutes from Exit 407 off Interstate 40). For more information, visit www.BudsGunShopTN.com.
Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Rick Laney Marketing at (865) 300-4538.
