The TARC

So each year, TARC raises its own funds to supplement the monies we receive from the state and United Way. Radiothon has been in existence since 1985 with each year's support more and more astounding. It is broadcast live for two days on WFPR/WHMD. Area dignitaries bring in pledges and raise money on the air during a designated time. The energy gen... erated during this time is unbelievable. Radiothon has raised as much as $75,000 in two days Penny Power was created in 1991 accessing our Tangipahoa Parish schools. TARC felt it was a way for the children in our area to be a part of helping individuals who are not as fortunate as they are. This fundraiser has raised as much as $63,000. Each participating class in a school collects all denomination of coin and cash for one week to donate to TARC. If they meet a certain goal they win a pizza party for their class. TARC had no idea when Penny Power was implemented what the actual results would be. In 1991 the students within the parish collected $1200.00 in change but by l997 over $15,000.00 was collected. It has grown so big that we had to ask the 231st Air National Guard to volunteer their services to help collect and count the coins as well as transport the coin to the bank for deposit. We could not handle the mass amount of coins during this fundraiser without these wonderful guys. Under the directions of Tammy Earles another program was added in 1991 called Case Management. This program provides services to children over three years of age through adulthood with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Due to growth at TARC, in May 1994, a second location was opened at North Cypress Street and both Case Management and Administration moved in. In 1995, Melinda Bass took over as Executive Director of TARC. Many changes were taking place at this time especially in our funding sources. Many vital decisions were also being made during this crucial time. Melinda was busy finalizing the purchase of a new state van, annual audit was gong on, and the running of two ...Read More