Q: What has a Buzz, a Fish and loads of questions?

A: The HCCF Trivia Challenge

The High Country Caregiver Foundation (HCCF) hosted its first Trivia Challenge on Nov. 8 at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Boone. “The Trivia Challenge was a fun-filled evening during which community members and businesses matched wits and trivia knowledge to earn prizes and bragging rights,” Brenda Reece, HCCF executive director and family caregiver support specialist, said.

Buzz Berry, host of local game show Sqrambled Scuares, and MTN-TV host Bill “Fish” Fisher emceed the event.

Six teams, consisting of 56 participants, competed to earn prizes and bragging rights. Appalachian Home Care’s “Winner-Schnitzels” took home the championship. Team members included Ellen Harrel, Tammy Jones, Lindsey Harris, Elizabeth Heaton, Jacob Heaton, Alex Elkins, Jason Jones, Dean Harris, Jeff Harris and Bob Mason.

Recently, the High Country Caregiver Foundation (HCCF) and the Watauga Adult Services Coalition entered a partnership to expand services in the High Country for older adults and those who care for them, Reece said.
“Working together, we will have more opportunities to provide services for residents of the area,” she said. “

The collaborative effort and joining of resources will enable both organizations to work towards common goals and objectives and produce results that could not be achieved singularly.”

“We are a 501(C) (3) nonprofit organization which is operated by professional volunteers in Watauga and Avery counties. Our mission is to create awareness of caregiving issues and improve the quality of life for caregivers and those they care for through advocacy, information and assistance, education, emotional support and respite and support services. All of the services that are presently being offered have been the result of fundraising efforts of our members. None of the programs we provide would be possible without the generous sponsorship of area businesses and donors throughout the community. We are, however, currently exploring other funding opportunities and pursuing grants,” added Reece.

Current projects and programs include: The Respite Voucher Program, providing local unpaid family caregivers $500 vouchers so they may receive a much deserved break from their caregiving duties; Caregiver Support Groups, that meet monthly at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living; the Senior Expo at Boone Mall each Spring; Caregiver Appreciation Dinners & Candlelight Reflections Ceremonies; educational seminars and information and referral services. Currently, the Watauga Adult Service Coalition is collaborating with local sheriffs departments to establish NC Project Lifesaver in the High Country. N.C. Project Lifesaver is a tracking system used to locate people who have wandered away from home.

For more information, call Reece at (828) 265-5434 x 128 or e-mail breece@regiond.org.