JOHNSON CITY – (April 12, 2023) Immediately following the April 6 announcement by Macy’s that the ETSU Marching Bucs will appear in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the presentation of a $10,000 check from the Macy’s organization, fundraising to get the students to the Big Apple began. In fact, the first local gift already has been made.
This donor needs no introduction.
An employee of ETSU Dining Services for 38 years, Penny Hughes has served three meals a day to thousands of students. To many, particularly those who work in food services, she has been like a “mom” or “grandmother.” When the Buccaneers take to the fields and courts, they know Hughes will be cheering in the stands, donned in blue, gold, and a vast collection of ETSU pins. Rarely is she absent.
And she already plans to be cheering on the Marching Bucs from her living room TV in November 2024 when the band appears in the parade – a first for ETSU. It is also the first time in 50 years a Tennessee university or college will make an appearance.
An hour after the ETSU/Macy news conference, ETSU development director Denise Asbury stopped at the campus’ The Treehouse Takeout canteen to get coffee. Hughes was there working her shift, and the two chatted about the exciting news.
Determined to help the students, Hughes reached in her pocket and handed cash to Asbury, a fundraiser for the College of Arts and Sciences.
“Going to New York City is expensive for anyone, and a lot of our students do not have extra money for things other than food,” she said. “I know they struggle, but I also know this trip will be the opportunity of a lifetime. I want to help them.
Hughes added, “My dad always taught me to treat people the way you want to be treated, and it will all come back to you.”
Help support the Marching Bucs and other ETSU programs and initiatives during ETSU Day of Giving on April 18 at etsu.edu/give.