Poke Sallet Foundation

Mission

Our Mission is to preserve and celebrate the culture and history of Jackson County, Tennessee with community-driven events, and to provide funding for other local organizations who provide necessary resources for our residents.

Vision

Our Vision is a community that works together to promote and preserve our area's history and promote growth through economic development and tourism. This foundation will provide funding for members of our community to grow in positions of skilled trade, as these jobs are the backbone of any functioning society.

Our Story

The Poke Sallet Festival was originally envisioned by the Jackson County Jaycees and has been hosted by various nonprofit organizations over the years, including the American Legion, the Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson County Rescue Squad, and others. Over time, frequent changes in hosting organizations made it difficult to maintain consistency and preserve the event’s legacy.

In 2022, when the American Legion retired from hosting the festival, a group of dedicated locals, who had grown up attending the festival and cherishing its traditions, decided to establish the Poke Sallet Foundation. Their goal was to create a sustainable nonprofit that would not only preserve the festival’s records, financials, and integrity but also ensure that this cherished tradition continues for future generations.

By hosting the festival under one unified organization, the Poke Sallet Foundation guarantees that all proceeds stay within the community. Funds raised support scholarships, future events, and community projects, with any additional funds being directed to support other local nonprofits.

Non-Discrimination & Sponsorship Policy

The Poke Sallet Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to serving the entire Jackson County community. We welcome and accept support, donations, and sponsorships from individuals, businesses, and organizations of all backgrounds.

The Foundation does not discriminate and will not exclude sponsors, donors, or participants on the basis of religion, gender, political affiliation, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Acceptance of sponsorship or donations does not constitute endorsement of any individual, business, or viewpoint. All decisions made by the Foundation—including partnerships, programming, and use of funds—are guided solely by our mission, vision, and what we determine to be in the best interest of our community, its families, and especially our children.

Mission & Vision Commitment

Our Mission is to preserve and celebrate the culture and history of Jackson County, Tennessee through community-driven events, while providing funding to local organizations that deliver essential resources to our residents.

Our Vision is a unified community working together to promote our heritage, support economic growth and tourism, and invest in the future of our workforce—particularly through opportunities in skilled trades that strengthen the backbone of our society.

Every decision made by the Poke Sallet Foundation—including sponsorship acceptance, event planning, and scholarship funding—is grounded in these principles and focused on creating a positive, inclusive, and lasting impact for the people of Jackson County.

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