GALLATIN, Tenn.- It's been
more than a week since students in Sumner County were supposed to go back to
school. But as the debate over how to fund the schools continues, residents
decided to put their money where their mouth is.
"We're gonna try to
help the schools out as much as we can, and that's what it's all about. I think
a lot of good people came out here, and a lot of generous people came out here.
And they're really helping out with everything," said local businessman Steve
Witte.
Hundreds of local
businesses set up shop at Gallatin High School Saturday afternoon. The idea is
that when people shop locally, the businesses pay local taxes and it goes
directly to funding schools. Organizers say it's not only about supporting the
local economy, but getting the community involved in the issues that
matter.
"It's disappointing
to see the politics that are happening right now. And I hope this makes a
difference. It drives awareness, and brings some funding, and gets the politicians
to quit playing games and fund these schools properly," said Sumner County
parent, Mark Linn.
Saturday's event was free,
but organizers were taking donations and several of the businesses were
donating their profits directly to the schools.
