On a recent Saturday night trip to the affectionately known “Fellini” Kroger on North Broadway, the manager, Tom Coburn, was donning a new look.

Yes, I live in North Knoxville and frequent this particular Kroger several times a week. Some have said the nickname “Fellini” is a derogatory adjective for the store. However, anyone who has both visited this establishment and viewed some of Federico Fellini’s work will recognize the natural correlation between this widely revered Italian film maker and the fluid chaos of the cast of participants. It makes grocery shopping a truly out of the ordinary experience, and I love it!

This particular evening, the manager I have come to recognize, asked me if I needed assistance. In fact, I did and he quickly showed me to the spot I could find my wares. I could not help but notice this conservative gentleman had shaved his usually neat and professional hairdo into a Mohawk….that was bright neon orange. So, I of course had to ask - thinking he must have lost a bet. Sure enough, he had.

Tom thought he would encourage employees to support the United Way campaign with a challenge. In 2008, the employee campaign for that store raised about $1200. So, he thought he was safe to bet on an amount of $3000. Yes, he obviously lost. But the incredible part of the story is that the employees of this Kroger raised approximately $4800 – four times as much as in 2008. They apparently surpassed some of the larger stores in the Knoxville market, and the manager was very proud to wear his orange Mohawk in support of his employees and a great cause.

Kudos to the employees and manager of the Kroger at 2217 North Broadway for their commitment to our community!

(No, I am not affiliated with Kroger in any way…I just shop and watch there.)

-Cheryl in the City