The Chilton County Senior Connection is trying to come up with creative ideas to make up for the money lost by not having the Taste of Chilton this year.

The Taste of Chilton has been Senior Connection’s marquee fundraiser since it began partnering with the Rotary Club of Chilton County and created the event in 2017.

“Usually, we do around $14,000 each year and split it up between the two,” McKinney said.

The partners are joining forces again to offer a drawing for an opportunity for residents to enter for a chance to win a vacation in the Great Smokey Mountains.

According to Senior Connection Director Vanessa McKinney, Wilma Easterling was generous enough to offer her time share for a four-night stay as the prize.

The vacation stay will include check-in March 14, 2021 and check-out March 18, 2021.

The time share is a mountain loft resort located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is a one-bedroom stand-alone home that sleeps four and has a full kitchen, bath with jetted tub, gas fireplace and balcony.

“It would be a great Christmas present for anyone,” McKinney said.

The goal of the drawing is to sell only 100 tickets at $100 a piece. Tickets can be purchased at Senior Connection located at 304 Park Place in Clanton.

“That makes it a better chance for everybody,” McKinney said.

The drawing will be held Jan. 4, 2021.

With the proceeds from the drawing, Senior Connection and the Rotary Club will have more funds available to give to local community organizations, such as Butterfly Bridge and the Chilton County Department of Human Resources.

According to McKinney, Senior Connection is averaging 36 members using the facility per day during the pandemic.

“Even if they just drive by and pick up a lunch, it’s just good for them to get out some,” McKinney said.