IN 1984, a group of friends’ conversation over breakfast turned into a desire to make a difference in their Manchester community. They passed the hat and got busy. Their earliest efforts were holiday food baskets. Sensing they could do more, they organized a fundraiser which was met with great success. They started small, and it grew with others wanting to contribute. From there, the Sportsmen & Businessmen’s Charitable Organization (SBCO) was born.
Today its president, Carter Sain, is quick to point out that the organization’s name no longer properly reflects its volunteer and donor makeup.
“It’s taken a lot of folks who may not have been sportsmen or businessmen. They have also been sportswomen and businesswomen and other contributors. This second generation of SBCO leaders often look back and remember the many people who founded and maintained this organization since 1984,” Sain said.
The organization became a formal 501(c)(3) in 1986 and expanded to serve all of Coffee County.
Carter’s father, Pete Sain, was a cornerstone of the charity and provided much of its framework. He was a master fundraiser and event host and served as chairman of SBCO until he passed away in 2019.
“Our organization is able to help a broad range of needs in our community and provide assistance in a timely manner. We like to focus on folks that have found themselves in tough times after having supported themselves successfully. They might have just hit a bump in the road,” said Carter.
Schools present many opportunities for assistance from the organization.
“We support students through the county and city school systems’ Family Resource programs,” Carter said. “Students in need of dental, vision, or medical attention have been connected to area professionals for treatment at no cost to the families. Also, teachers and educators may apply for mini educational grants to fund equipment purchases, field trip experiences, or assistance for special student needs.”
Individuals and families in need are also eligible for relief. SBCO provides assistance for emergency situations, medical needs, and direct assistance in various ways.
Today the charity is funded almost entirely by donations and its fundraising efforts. Some donations come as previous members and supporters pass away, and the family requests the charity be remembered in lieu of flowers. For many years The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has awarded grants to help fund the organization’s work.
SBCO’s longevity is strongly connected to the members’ desire to give back to their community. The impact the work has on improving the lives of those in the community is clearly seen.
Carter said, “Our volunteers rise to the occasion. Some have gone from being a supporter to being asked to serve on our Giving Committee or our board of directors. Everyone involved in this organization feels very passionate about it. We’re all a little amazed that we continue to be trusted with such a high level of support but then we see what SBCO does for the community. We have firsthand knowledge of what the funding accomplishes, and we know it’s doing great things.” -GN
