RIFA celebrates 19th annual Canstruction event, winners announced
JACKSON, Tenn. — One local nonprofit highlights the need and solution for food insecurity right here in the Hub City in a unique way.
The Regional Interfaith Association or RIFA celebrates their 19th annual ‘Canstruction’ event. 15 teams created designs and a message in support of ending hunger in Jackson.
“Each team has the freedom to choose their own theme, so I hope everybody can hope on our social media and take a look at those structures. Just appreciate all that work that goes into them. Those teams spend hours weeks and months sometimes working on those structures,” said Denice Walton, director of development for RIFA.
Thursday night, winners were crowned for their creativity and hard work.
“These teams have worked so hard and we’re so grateful for folks who come work alongside us. We’ve had table sponsors and event sponsors. We have around 95 tables tonight. It’s just a big night and we’re very excited,” said Walton.
This has been a week long competition for these teams but organizers say that outcome has all been worth it.
“Those structures have around 46 thousand pounds of food and we are so excited and so grateful. All of that food at the end of the night of course, comes back to RIFA for distribution for families facing food insecurity right here where we live in Jackson and around West Tennessee,” said Walton.
To highlight the celebration, Comedian Mike Goodwin brought in the laughs.
“I’m excited I love helping the community and especially when I can bring joy and laughter. Especially to folks that serve, a lot of times when you’re in the trenches and you’re doing the work you don’t often get to laugh and enjoy a moment of levity at an event. So, I am looking forward to that,” said Goodwin.
Delta Faucet was the winner for best in show. First Presbyterian Church won the People’s Choice Award.
Other winners from tonight include:
- People’s choice First Presbyterian Church: “FPC CAN Ring the Bells to Relieve Hunger”
- Honorable Mention: Toyota TN “Garfield CAN Share! “
- Honorable Mention :Tennalum “Gnome More Hunger”
- Spotlight Award Winner: First Methodist Downtown Jackson “Hunger Knows No Color “
- Best Original design winner: Delta Faucet Company “Feed the Need:
- Best Meal: Jackson Madison County School System “Love your Neighborhood? Now that Eats!”
- Structural Ingenuity: Hitachi Energy “Scan and Can”
- Best Use of Labels: Jackson State community college ” We CAN Do It”
- Best of Show: Delta Faucet Company “Feed the Need”
For more news in the Jackson area, click here.
