"President Taylor" Hands Out "Stimulus Checks"

(April 29, 2009)  Paris Actress Cherry Jones--also known as President Allison Taylor on the hit television series '24'--handed out her own version of stimulus checks Monday to six local non-profit organizations.

The organizations were recipients of the $22,593 that was raised so far from the recent '24'-themed fund-raisers. More funds are expected from an Ebay auction of '24'-related items that began Monday afternoon.

Checks of $4,225 each were handed out to Friends of the Library, Paris-Henry County Heritage Center, Lee Academy for the Arts, Downtown Paris Association, and the Paris-Henry County Arts Council.

Because the fund-raisers drew more than $10,000, Jones handed out an additional check of $1,000 to the group of her choice and of course, it was related to theater--the Krider Children's Theater.

Jones applauded the organizers of the fund-raisers. "You have great creative organizational skills in this town. I would put you all up against any in this country," she said. "It was just awesome to watch you all in action."

When the funds from the Ebay auction are received, additional checks from the President's stimulus package will be handed out, Jones said.

Receiving the checks were: Ray Harding and Suzanne Richter of Lee Academy; John Thomas and Martha Thomas of Friends; Mary Lodge of Arts Council; Mike Key of Downtown Paris Association; Norma Steele of Heritage Center; and Travis McLeese of Children's Theater.

Source:  HenryCountian.com and Shannon McFarlin