Wilderness at the Smokies hosts Funds for Food Drive Event

The public can enjoy a day at Wilderness at the Smokies indoor waterpark during the Funds for Food Drive special admission event to benefit the local food ministry.

On select upcoming dates in 2016, Wilderness at the Smokies will host the 2nd annual Funds for Food Drive in partnership with Sevier County Food Ministries. The general public is invited to splash the day away for just $10 per person, per day, inside Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark, Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark. Proceeds of the Funds for Food Drive will benefit Sevier County Food Ministries to deliver groceries during the holiday season to area families in need.

To participate in the Funds for Food Drive, the general community can purchase day passes at the River Lodge front desk from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on the dates of Oct. 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31 and Nov. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. Up to 250 day passes are available per day at a special rate of $10 each, inclusive of taxes and fees. Kids aged two and under are admitted free.

In 2015, the hugely successful food drive resulted in 42,000 pounds (21 tons) of donated canned and dry food goods, allowing Sevier County Food Ministries to deliver a bag of groceries weekly during the holiday season to more than 1,700 families. This year the program has changed to a monetary waterpark entrance fee to alleviate food storage challenges the resulted in 2015.

“We are truly grateful and excited to have the support of Wilderness at the Smokies again in 2016,” said Jim Davis, director of Sevier County Food Ministries. “Last year’s drive surpassed our expectations and it was a real blessing to be able to serve our community with much needed and appreciated groceries during the holiday season.”

Listed as one of the top ten indoor waterparks in the U.S. by USA Today’s “10 Best Readers’ Choice” poll, Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark doesn’t normally sell day passes, making this Funds for Food Drive a unique opportunity for the greater Sevierville community to enjoy an 84-degree daycation in their own backyard. Kids and kids at heart will delight in the seven waterslides, five pools and a multitude of thrilling water attractions, while supporting families in need.

“The Funds for Food Drive with Sevier County Food Ministries is a win-win opportunity for Sevier County,” said Russell Archuleta, general manager of Wilderness at the Smokies. “We are confident the community will embrace this special opportunity for a day of family fun while serving their own community.”

For more information about the Funds for Food Drive, call 865-428-5770.