JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Last month, the Trump Administration’s federal program cuts led to the elimination of three AmeriCorps positions at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site.

The site held a gala on Friday to help fund those positions.

The gala, originally planned in March to finance furniture for their new visitor center, was swiftly repurposed to raise funds to maintain those positions after they were cut on April 28th.

Matthew Frye, the associate director at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, remarked, “They ended up cutting three of our positions. We lost three people here. And so this gala’s support and generosity is actually going to keep them here throughout the summer.”

Frye is the only full-time employee at the site, and the company relies heavily on the AmeriCorps staff, who handle all of the front-end tasks, such as interacting with guests and leading tours.

“And so we’re losing that whole front-end piece,” Frye said. “And now me and the other director are going to have to like roll into that. We’re going to be limited on what we’ve been doing as well. So by keeping them, at least for the summer, has been very gracious for what these people here are supporting.”

Frye told News Channel 11 that their goal was to raise $4,000 to cover the salaries through the summer. Luckily, the more than 60 people who showed up raised enough for all three. Judy Middlemiss is one of those people.

“Well, we want to see the facility continued and to improve,” Middlemiss said. “And I know having AmeriCorps to help has been a big plus.”

As a historic site, Tipton-Haynes doesn’t receive the same funding as a state park. So, the community’s support has been crucial during this uncertain time.

“As you can see behind me, the support has filled the room and has helped fund these positions,” Frye said. “And you’re right, you don’t always feel it day-to-day. And knowing that people do care is amazing.”

With the AmeriCorps workers back, Frye said he’ll have time to plan a new preservation tour for visitors this summer.