BBQ, Boots & Bingo: A Little Texas in Arlington

The Knights of Columbus buzzed with activity at the 3rd Thrive fall fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 29. Hungry folks traveled along the barbecue line choosing hot dogs, hamburgers or chicken with all the trimmings. An ice cream stand at the entrance had a long line of children waiting for a miniature brownie sundae or strawberry twirl while others played cornhole in the yard or jumped in the moon bounce. Tables of Bingo players concentrated on the numbers called out from the spinning ball on a table nearby while 12-year-old DJ TJ Schultz played his queue of country and pop.

Thrive provides same-day, emergency financial assistance to county residents who experience sudden financial crisis such as temporary unemployment or illness. Most clients are the working poor, elderly and disabled people on a fixed income, and the homeless and formerly homeless. Thrive serves over 5,000 clients a year.