RIFA holds annual “Canstruction” event

JACKSON, Tenn — An awards dinner giving back to those who decided to “canstruct” for a good cause.

Thursday, the Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) held its 12th annual “Canstruction” event, awarding the 14 teams for giving back in a major way.

“There are lots of structures built entirely out of canned food lining the walls of our building right now,” RIFA spokeswoman Chelsea-Catherine Cobb said.

From “Toy Story” to historic landmarks in Jackson, the teams worked all week to make sure there was not a can out of place.

“These teams have worked incredibly hard to get these structures built and we want to honor them tonight for all of their hard work we want to honor them with this celebration,”  Cobb said.

From corporations and plants to high schools,  the teams came together to raise money and help West Tennessee families who may not know where their next meal is coming from.

“We are non-profit and we are donation-driven so this is a fundraiser for us. “Canstruction” is our largest fundraiser,” said Cobb.

This year’s best in show went to the Toyota Bodine Aluminum team for their replica of everyone’s favorite Slinky Dog from the movie “Toy Story.”

And after the awards were given out the crowd was serenaded by multi-Grammy award-winning Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith.

“I like to be apart of anything that involved people giving their lives away and making the world a better place. I love doing benefits and this is a great organization,” Smith said.

Next year Smith said he hopes he will get to build a special object out of cans.

“I would like to see if I could build a Grammy.”

If you want to check out some of the winning “Canstructions”  you still have time.
All of the artwork will be on display until Monday at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in downtown Jackson.