Family Fun Day helps sustain Halfway Home

Victor Cantu enjoys lunch while listening to Gospel music at Family Fun Day Saturday. (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

With the smoky scent of barbecue lingering in the air and gospel and country music playing in the background, folks entering the grounds of Clearview Farm Saturday could find an array of activities in which to participate.

But the food came first.

"I built every bit of it from the junk yard," said Bryant Dunn to a man inquiring about his smoker as he slow-cooked pork for the hundreds of people expected to attend the event by the end of the day.

Making a difference

The first annual Family Fun Day was held at the farm from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to benefit Shelbyville's Halfway Home, a transitional home for men who want to start a new Christian-based life following incarceration.

Some just listened to the music as they ate, like local resident Victor Cantu, while others eagerly watched horse whisperer Sam Powell work his magic on a green Tennessee walking horse.

No matter what specifically drew folks to Family Fun Day -- horses, food, pony rides or the opportunity to purchase a Tracy Lawrence-autographed guitar -- everyone had one thing in common: a desire to make a difference.

'Hero' organizes effort

"He's my hero," said Halfway Home resident Michael Thomas of Jay Pope, director of the home. "When I got out of jail, I didn't need a place to stay. What I needed was to be around Christians. I was saved while I was in jail."

Thomas learned of the Halfway Home through another pastor, Doug Crabtree, who is involved with jail ministries.

Thomas now has a job, attends church every Sunday, and credited the Halfway Home program for his "remarkable success story."

Sam Powell prepares a horse demonstration aboard "Legs," a walking horse who had spent most of her time in the pasture prior to Saturday. (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Family Fun Day was the latest effort of Pope's to raise funds for the upkeep of the Halfway Home. Proceeds from the event went directly toward house upkeep, the purchase of a van and payroll for the small staff.

Four men live in the Halfway Home on Carter Street. Three homes are designated for the program but only one is being occupied.

"The only holdup on the other two is funding," Thomas said.

Pope has also organized golf tournaments and other luncheons to raise funds.

'One man at a time'

"We have to make a difference in these men's lives -- one man at a time," said Pope in a previous interview with the Times-Gazette.

Pope believes the success of the program relies on the unity and understanding of the entire Bedford County community as a whole. Saturday was an attempt to get folks together, defying boundaries of age, race and class, on board the Halfway Home, which opened nearly two years ago.

"Jay has done a lot of things in the community to keep the home going," said Cantu, a member of Pope's Lighthouse Church. "If I had known about this sooner, I would have had the whole Hispanic community here ...

"Pastor Jay will be blessed for what he's doing, and so will those who are helping him."

Horses and more

Following lunch prepared by Bryant and Angie Dunn of Hog Wild Barbecue, attendees expected to see a demonstration from Powell, a renowned horse trainer. Powell sat aboard walking horse mare, "Legs," for the first time as he waited to do the demonstration.

"We just got her out of the pasture," Powell said. "She's been out for at least six or seven months."

Bryant Dunn solicited help from his grandchildren in preparing smoked pork. From left are Justin, Will and Josephine Dunn. (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Judy Derryberry, owner of the mare, said she was anxious to see Powell work with her horse.

"She has not had any work done," Derryberry said. "She hasn't been ridden in about a year and a half."

"Powell's the best in the world when it comes to horse training. He's the granddaddy of them all. He is one of my best friends and has taught me a lot," Pope said.

A silent auction was also held throughout the day. Auction items included cowboy hats from George Strait, an autographed guitar from Tracy Lawrence, and horse equipment, among many other items.

Music included a George Strait tribute by Duane Drake and his Strait Country Band, T.J. Klay and T and T.

Marie Lloyd, owner of Clearview Farm, donated her farm for the day and also furnished pony rides for the kids.

What you can do

To learn more about the Halfway Home, or to volunteer or donate money, contact Jay Pope at 212-7815.