Hunger Fighting Fundraiser Returns To Downtown Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn — RIFA’s Canstruction food drive returned to the Carl Perkins Civic Center for a one-night event featuring a gala with a formal dinner, award ceremony, and entertainment provided by Jonnie W.

“We have 17 teams who have built structures out of canned food items, non-perishable food items and we are thrilled to have that many teams represented tonight,” said RIFA Director of Development Denice Walton.

The design competition provided a chance for local businesses, churches, schools, and other organizations to use canned food to build structures for public viewing at the gala.

“We have a total accumulated amount of food, around 50,000 pounds of food, and that food tonight when we tear down these structures will come back to RIFA, and it will turn around and go right back into the community,” says Walton.

Several area businesses used pop culture in their design choices, ranging from inspirations from Disney-Pixar films, to DC Comics, to the 1980s thriller film Jaws.

Each structure has a plaque with a short piece about the team, the design, and the story behind the structure.

Awards were handed out to the best statues and a People’s Choice Award was given to the statue with the highest monetary donation total.

This was RIFA Canstruction’s 20th annual event.