Some people will do almost anything to raise money for aworthy cause. Area dignitaries will do just that for two worthy causes as they raise money for the "Kiss the Chicken" contest, an activity of the 9th Annual Tennessee Soybean Festival, Sept. 3-8, in Martin. The fund raiser is being sponsored by Tyson, which also sponsors the festival's barbecue cook off Sept. 6.

Larry Taylor, Martin mayor; J.D. Sanders, Martin police chief; Jim Schuster, plant manager, MTD Products Inc; and Dr. Nick Dunagan, chancellor, UT Martin, agreed to have money collected in jars bearing their names placed around Martin.

Tyson managers participating in the contest are: Eddie Chancellor, complex manager; Andrew Blair, plant manager; and Donnie Noles, complex human resources manager.

The jars collecting the most money entitle the winner to kiss a livechicken at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, at the downtown Martin stage.

Proceeds from the fund raiser will benefit the Martin Relay for Life team and Agape House. Jars are located in Martin-area businesses, the Tyson complex, and on the UT Martin campus.

Any size donation will be accepted.

For additional information, contact Connie Betz, Tyson human resources manager, 731-886-4735.

The Tennessee Soybean Festival is sponsored by the city of Martin, the University of Tennessee at Martin, the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council, Union City Coca-Cola Bottling Co., First Citizens National Bank and the soybean producers of Tennessee.