10 charities, ranging from Food for Thought which provides local, at risk children with weekend meals, to Faithful Friends, the local no-kill animal shelter organization, have designed scarecrows on the grounds of Carolina Lily, a local gift shop and specialty luncheon spot. Customers can vote on their favorite scarecrow, to show support for a specific charity, which will win $500 for the highest vote getter.  There is a complementary contest on Facebook, too, which will net the winner $100.   
Owner Julie Apone states, “When the recession started about 2 years ago, it became harder and harder for charities to maintain the level of funding they needed to service their operations. Plus, it is more and more difficult for retailers such as Carolina Lily to respond to all of the requests for donations we receive. This contest, allows us to give a larger donation to a charity that is also willing to help us by sending their supporters  to our business to vote.  It’s really a win-win-we help each other.  Many of these charities are not well known, so it gives the charities much needed publicity as well. The fact that the designers are so wonderfully creative is a big plus, and really has made our garden so exciting!”

The contest runs through September. Scarecrows/charities/designers listed with photos. Carolina Lily is located at 1375 Kem Carlton Road Salisbury, and is open Wed-Sat 10-5. 704-639-0033 www.carolinalily.com   carolinalily@att.net