By Tabitha Evans Moore, EDITOR & PUBLISHER
LYNCHBURG — They came to Lynchburg for the first time in June and returned this week to present a check to the Moore County Raiders football program. On Wednesday, representatives from the Legends of Tennessee Football Camp and the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce presented a $2500 check to the Moore County Blue Helmet Club for the 2024 season.
The group raised the funds at the first-ever Lynchburg Legends of UT Football Camp, which took place on June 1 at Moore County High School. Former University of Tennessee players Jabari Davis and Chris Treece founded the camp in 2018 and it made a stop in Lynchburg for the first time this year.
The group’s Legends on the Hill Fundraiser at Jack Daniel’s Barbecue Hill also helped. It was a collaboration between the Legends of Tennessee organization and Jack Daniel’s Distillery in advance of the camp.
It fundraised for the Legends of Tennessee organization, which seeks to encourage youth football players to work hard, set goals, and dream big. They held nine camps in 2024 in places like Dyersburg, Milan, Munford, Green Hills, Sevier County, and Lynchburg.
Both UT and local organizers say the event succeeded beyond expectation for a first year event. Over 160 local boys and girls attended the June 1 camp. Nearly 80 less fortunate student athletes were invited to attend at no cost thanks to donations from the Lynchburg Chamber, 3 Rivers Energy, Evans Contracting, Simmons Bank, Exit Realty, Big G, Barrett, Moore County Bank, as well as State Representative Pat Marsh and State Senator Shane Reeves. Woodard’s Market also donated Gatorades for all the kids and coaches who attended the local camp.
Russell, who helped bring the camp to Lynchburg based on a chance meeting with former UT Vol and camp founder Jabari Davis, says he’s already got sponsors lined up for 2025. We’ll announce the date for the 2025 camp as soon as it is available. •
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