Hard decisions and big changes are altering business and personal events for everyone due to the health and safety risks of COVID-19. These challenges are magnified in the nonprofit world, and Charity Circle, one of Rutherford County's key benefactors supporting nonprofits providing basic needs, is not immune. To err on the side of safety, Charity Circle will transition to hosting "No Show" events for the remainder of its 2020 traditional fundraising parties.

"This is a trying time for many, but particularly for those already struggling to survive," Charity Circle President Anne Davis said. "The Murfreesboro community has a deeply philanthropic heart. Sadly, we will miss hosting our cleverly themed parties, and invite our community to invest in supporting the core needs of our neighbors."

In 2019, Charity Circle distributed $436,000 to 35 local agencies directed towards food, clothing, shelter and medicine-insecurity needs. Funds are distributed quarterly to nine ongoing Rutherford County non-profits: Child Advocacy Center, Community Helpers of Rutherford County, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Doors of Hope, Good Shepherd Children's Home, Ann Campbell Early Learning Center, NOURISH Food Bank, Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center, and The Journey Home.

"With Charity Circle's help we've been able to provide food to more than 1,000 people many weeks through the crisis," said Nourish Food Bank's Executive Director LaDawna Parham. "We are so incredibly grateful for their ongoing support and for stepping-up in a big way during the COVID crisis to make sure we can continue to care for hungry people."

Each fundraiser will continue to be slated as a "No Show" party on their scheduled dates, and will highlight individual ongoing agencies, their missions, and benefits thanks to the gifts of Charity Circle's contributors. 

Charity Circle's "No Show" parties are:

• July 16: Cocktails at Copper Ridge featuring Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center

• August 14: Summer Supper featuring Ann Campbell Early Learning Center and NOURISH Food Bank

• September 11: Tailgate Party featuring Domestic Violence Center and Doors of Hope

• December 4: Ladies Holiday Luncheon featuring Community Helpers and Good Shepard's Children's Home

• December 11: Christmas Cocktails and Cheer featuring Child Advocacy Center and The Journey Home

"Charity Circle's support, especially during these tough times, means so much to the clients served by Second Harvest and many other nonprofits in our community that are working harder than ever to keep up with the need," said Taylor Loyal, Second Harvest Donor Relations Manager for Rutherford County. "I've said since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak that one of my biggest worries is that people who've never needed help before will now need help. One way you can help folks during this tough time is to please support Charity Circle of Murfreesboro's "No Show" events this year."

To contribute towards the "No Show" fundraising parties and Charity Circle's vital community support, and for more information about the historic women's organization founded in 1910, visit CharityCircleMboro.org.