KODAK, TN – Friends of the Smokies hosted more than 400 guests at the 18th annual Greenbrier Barn Party on Friday, May 6th. The fundraising event featured robust live and silent auctions and raised more than $145,000 this year in support of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Greenbrier Barn Party, formerly Picnic in Pittman for the Park (3P BBQ), was co-hosted by Coach Phillip & Vicky Fulmer, Jake and Kat Ogle, along with Jim Ogle & Cheryl Houston. The evening featured special guests University of Tennessee football coach Butch Jones, Athletics Director Dave Hart and wife Pam, and Steve Caldwell & Dan Brooks, coaches of the 1998 national championship team.

This event has raised nearly $1.7 million over its history, helping to fund critical projects in Great Smoky Mountains National Park including treating hemlock trees, construction of the Greenbrier Picnic Pavilion and hiking trail reconstruction.

“We’re so pleased with the generosity from this community,” said Jake Ogle, event co-host and Friends of the Smokies board member. “Taking care of our national park runs in the blood of everyone in East Tennessee and we appreciate their loyal support.”

The Greenbrier Barn Party is held in Pittman Center, TN at the barn of Jim Ogle, former Friends of the Smokies board member. The event is presented by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Sugarland Cellars, and is sponsored by Barnes Insurance Agency, Bearskin Lodge, Charles Blalock & Sons Inc., Citizens National Bank, Holston’s Kitchen, Home Federal Bank, The Island in Pigeon Forge, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Parkside Cabin Rentals, Riverside Tower, SmartBank, and Yee-Haw Brewing.

Photos from Friday’s event and more information can be found at www.BarnParty.org.