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The details are coming together for a Nov. 8 fundraiser that will feed our families and at the same time challenge us to be Good Neighbors to those falling on hard times.

Good Neighbors of Blount County is an organization that provides emergency assistance to our local families in crisis, mainly with help paying rent, utilities and gas. The agency, said its director the Rev. Lisa Blackwood, will help 1,200 or more families this year. With an economy that still isn't back on track, an increasing number of Blount Countians continue to lose their jobs and need help with the basics of just getting by.

On Nov. 8, this faith-based nonprofit will host its third annual Progressive Dinner to raise money so that it can provide assistance to all who need it.

The first stop in the dinner will be at Monte Vista Baptist Church, located at 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road in Maryville, where guests will be served appetizers created by members of the congregation. Then it's on to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 314 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville, and a lunch prepared by chef Tracy Fair. Desserts will be offered at Maryville First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road. Tickets are $25 per adult and $5 per child, with a maximum of $60 per family.

Filling a need

This is the third year for the Progressive Dinner, and it is Good Neighbors' signature event, Blackwood said. Last year 200 attended and she is hoping to increase that number for 2009.

Stu Hammond, chairperson for the Good Neighbors Board of Directors, said you only have to look around at the volume of families seeking assistance at food pantries and other organizations to know the need is great. It's nationwide and it's right here, he said.

Good Neighbors is about the only local agency that helps families pay their rent, Blackwood said. She said the agency gets referrals from local churches, United Way, the Community Action Agency and others. And Good Neighbors also refers their clients to other places that can help.

Good Neighbors was established in Blount County in 1996 by the Blount County Ecumenical Action Council, and first served the community from a small office at Highland Presbyterian Church. In those 13 years, thousands have been assisted with dollars raised at events like the Progressive Dinner and through the giving by local churches, organizations such as United Way, businesses and individuals. Blackwood said she was asked recently what is holding Good Neighbors back from accomplishing all it wants to do here, like being open five days a week instead of three.

"It's money," she said. "You can't give it away if you don't have it."