COSBY, Tenn. – For well over a century, Sunset Gap Mission has quietly served families in Cocke County, providing food, clothing, home repairs, educational assistance, and hope to those in need. On Saturday, July 11, the community will have an opportunity to support those efforts by attending the organization’s Annual Auction and Community Dinner.
The event will be held at the Sunset Gap Community Center, located at 1300 Sunset Gap Road in Cosby.
Dinner will be served from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. and includes spaghetti with either meat sauce or marinara sauce, garlic bread, a homemade dessert, and a drink for $12 per person.
Guests can also browse the Silent Auction from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., followed by the Live Auction from 5:45 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., led by auctioneer Jon Holt. Items available for bidding include gift certificates, gift baskets, and many other donated items.
While the evening promises great food and family fun, the auction also supports one of Cocke County’s most valuable community organizations.
Sunset Gap has been serving the Cosby community since 1899, with its roots in Christian ministries and the Settlement Movement that brought education and community services to families living throughout the Appalachian Mountains.
Today, Sunset Gap continues that mission in many ways.
The organization operates a monthly food pantry that helps individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout the county. During the summer months, it also provides a weekly children’s food box program every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until noon, helping families feed children while school is out. Families receive a food box for each child, providing much-needed assistance during the summer break.
In addition to food assistance, Sunset Gap operates a clothing closet and thrift store, with proceeds from thrift store sales helping fund the organization’s community programs.
Perhaps one of Sunset Gap’s most remarkable ministries is its home repair program. Volunteer groups from across the United States travel to Cocke County throughout the year to repair or rebuild homes for elderly, disabled, and low-income residents at no cost to the homeowners. The organization also partners with local adult education programs to help residents earn their GED.
For generations, Sunset Gap has been much more than a community center. It has become a place where neighbors help neighbors, providing practical assistance and improving lives throughout Cocke County.
Community members are encouraged to attend the July 11 fundraiser, enjoy a meal, participate in the auctions, and help ensure Sunset Gap Mission can continue serving local families for years to come.
For more information, call 423-623-4313, email sunsetgap@gmail.com, or visit their website to learn more about their programs and volunteer opportunities.
