Sunday evening in Pigeon Forge, Tennesseans will have the chance to show

their Volunteer spirit as the Comedy Barn Theater hosts a “BarnRaiser for

Kosovo” to raise money for Operation Sustain Hope.

The event, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., will include a reception followed

by the theater’s award-winning family variety show.

“We were watching CNN and President Clinton came on and pleaded for help

for these people,” said Jim Hendrick, co-owner of the theater. “We decided

we can do something. We’re not just gonna sit back and watch people

suffer.”

The event has gained national attention and the Clinton administration is

sending Mike Walker, deputy director of the Federal Emergency Management

Agency, to show support. In addition to Walker, Lee Greenwood will be

there, along with other celebrities and city officials.

Hendrick, a UT graduate, is proud of the generosity of East Tennesseans who

have been sending donations since the event was announced.

“We’re basically saying that a small community can rally together and make

a difference,” Hendrick said.

He expects 700 or more people to attend and has set a goal of raising

$20,000, all of which will go to Operation Sustain Hope.

“I certainly think that we can do that,” he said of the impressive

amount.

The show, a medley of family fun, is 100 percent clean and blends

everything from magicians and ventriloquists to Arnold, the mind reading

pig.

“You will laugh so hard at this show, you’ll feel it the next day,” he

said.

The Comedy Barn Theater is located at 2775 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Tickets

to Sunday’s show are a $20 donation.

“If you love to laugh and you love good music, you’ll love this show,”

Hendrick promised.