At the Aug. 30 Sewanee Civic Association (SCA) Welcome Back picnic, members had the opportunity to chat and break bread with representatives from the fortunate organizations receiving Community Chest funding last year. During the business portion of the meetings members learned about a film-screening fundraiser scheduled for Oct. 7 and approved the budget for the 2017–18 fiscal year.

Sponsored by the SCA, the Community Chest has provided financial assistance to area programs and projects since 1943. Applications for the 2017–18 funding cycle are being accepted through Sept. 15. To apply visit sewaneecivic.wordpress.com.

To help fund the 2017–18 Community Chest, the SCA will host the fun and inspirational documentary film “Look to the Sky.” Highlighting Superman-like heroes inspiring us to look to tomorrow, the film will be screened at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, at the SUT, with both the film screening rights and venue donated. All proceeds from the $5 admission will go toward the Community Chest fundraising effort. Free popcorn will be available.

SCA members approved the budget for the coming year, with $2000 allocated to the Parks Campaign, $1,000 to the Emergency Fund and $200 to Group Spaces, the host for Sewanee Classifieds, a community email subscription service where members share announcements and for sale items.

The 2016–17 Community Chest awarded funds to 26 community organizations. At the meeting some of the recipients spoke about their organizations’ missions and goals. Many Community Chest awardees improve the quality of life and make life richer in the community at no cost to residents. In an ambitious project that began in 2004, the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance is constructing a nearly 40 mile walking and biking trail following the path of the old Mountain Goat Railroad. Beginning its 42nd year of outreach, the Community Action Committee works to break the cycle of poverty by distributing food, assisting with utility and medical bills and providing housing. The Sewanee Senior Citizens’ Center serves more than 30 meals each day, hosts games and exercise classes, and offers free flu shots. Angel Park sponsors free musical events and Angel Fest, a day-long family games and fun extravaganza. And likewise free of charge, the Dog Park on Lake Cheston Road can be used by anyone and is open 24 hours a day.

SCA secretary Megan Roberts urged SCA members and friends to follow the Sewanee Civic Association on Facebook for updates on news and events.

The SCA meets next on Oct. 18. Questions about the SCA? Email sewaneecivic@gmail.com.