Project Milestones
Friends of the Historic Bell Buckle School
Fall Clean Up Day
SAVE THE DATE - Saturday, November 9th, 2024
More details to come
Dorothy Elkins 98th Birthday Party
On August 29, the Bell Buckle community gathered at the Bell Buckle Fire Department to celebrate the 98th birthday of 1944 alum — Ms. Dorothy Elkins. Over 100 guests were present for this once in a lifetime celebration.
Photo Credit: John Smith with Next Level Photography
Friend-Raising Event for FHBBS
On May 4, 2024, FHBBS hosted its first Community Day. Thank you to everyone who joined our "Friend-Raising" event to learn about plans and progress for the renovation. Many thanks also to Purity Dairy for furnishing the treats and their freezer! Old friends reunited, new friends were made, and excitement and promise were in the air.
Memorandum of Understanding Signing
On October 10, 2023, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Bell Buckle and the Friends of the Historic Bell Buckle School was signed by Bell Buckle mayor, Ronnie Lokey, and the FHBBS chair, Mark King.
501(c)3 Nonprofit Status
September, 2022
Thanks to the diligence and hard work of Mark King The Friends of the Historic Bell Buckle School have obtained 501(c)3 nonprofit status with the state of TN and the federal government. This will help us all tremendously in our efforts to raise funds and find external grant funding. Thank you, Mark!
Also, we had our first Friends work day this past Sunday, and despite the off and on showers, we got SO much done to show that the building and grounds are cared about. I've included some before and afters as well as a few random shots. We cleared away trees and vines, repaired gutters, moved a lot of bricks and a trailer full of debris, and sealed up some of the holes that were allowing wildlife to inhabit the building. If you had other plans on Sunday, don't fret. We will have many more days like this in the near future, and welcome you all to come out to pitch in, cheer others on, and make this a welcoming site for our community and visitors.
August, 2022 Updates
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Charter submitted and successfully registered with state as non-profit
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Article of Incorporation filed with IRS as 501(c)3 non-profit, EIN obtained
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Bank account established, along with financial management structure and policies
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Working to develop website for sharing news and to aid in fundraising
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Plan to work with Town of Bell Buckle (ToBB) on grant development, and to expand area of project impact to increase eligibility
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ToBB granted group recognition as a “civic entity”
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ToBB offered use of Fire Hall for future group meetings
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Established regular meeting time of first Sunday of each month at 2pm, unless necessary to move due to holiday. Unless otherwise noted, meetings will be held at the ToBB Fire Hall, 113 Main St, Bell Buckle
