For three years, the Shallow Ford Foundation (SFF), along with local organizations and churches, have come together to celebrate Yadkin County Schools (YCS) personnel at the annual "Pack the Park" end-of-year personnel appreciation event held at the Yadkin Family YMCA. The event features delicious food, a cornhole tournament, an attendance competition, live music, and door prizes. All YCS personnel are invited to the event and the school who has the most personnel present  or "packs the park" wins a trophy (based on number of employees and number of students).

2023 was the best year yet, with roughly 400 in attendance. There were over 13 door prizes and the corn hole tournament was a success. On the menu this year was BBQ from Benjamin June's Whole Life BBQ, frozen custard sandwiches from Abbott's Frozen Custard, and side dishes provided by area churches. Also, local favorite NOTA (None of the Above) kept the mood lively with their unique bluegrass sound. Thank you to all the community partners for making this special, fun-filled day of gratitude for YCS teachers and staff possible!

2023 Volunteers:

Yadkin County Rotary Club, Yadkin Family YMCA, Yadkin County School Board and Central Office Staff, Boonville UMC, Center Methodist, Charity Baptist, Collide, East Bend Baptist, Longtown UMC, Mitchell's Chapel Methodist, Mountain Grove UMC, Mountain View Baptist, Saint Paul UMC, South Oak Ridge Baptist, Yadkin Baptist Association, and Yadkinville UMC

2023 Planning Committee:

• Mick Bowman (SFF)
• Abby Catoe (Yadkin Rotary)
• Rev. Jonathan Gaylord (Yadkinville UMC)
• Lisa Hughes (Yadkin Rotary and County Manager)
• Tammy Miller (YCS)
• Scott Spillman (Yadkin Family YMCA)
• Dennis Shaw (Yadkin Baptist Association)
• Sandi Scannelli (SFF)
• Karen Stutzman (Love Out Loud Yadkin)