How to "Take Back" The Family Vacation

Could someone you know use $2,100 for utilities?

Would cash for car or mortgage payments be a welcome relief?

Make that person's day with a nomination in Pigeon Forge's "Taking Vacation Back' campaign. The gateway city to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is offering cash and travel packages ranging from $2,100 in May to $15,000 in July.

The July prize is to help one deserving family win big bucks for a year's worth of mortgage or rent payments. All winners and the people who nominate them also receive a two-night / three-day stay in Pigeon Forge, home of the Dollywood theme park.

"The past two years have been extremely tough on families, and we know many families have made sacrifices," said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. "The family vacation is something we don't want to see anyone give up. Vacations are much-needed getaways that create life-long memories."

"Taking Vacation Back" began in April when more than 200 family stories were told at www.MyPigeonForge.com. Through online voting that month, 20 families won $100 gas cards and a trip to Pigeon Forge, and those who nominated the winners earned identical trips.

Prizes get progressively larger:

· In May, 10 families win $2,100 for utility payments.

· In June, five families win $6,600 for car payments.

· In July, one family win $15,000 for mortgage or rent payments.

In 2006, Pigeon Forge conducted a similar outreach campaign by giving away a tanker truckload of gas in response to unexpected jumps in gasoline prices.

"Our 'Great Gas Giveaway' was a way to offer random acts of kindness in the form of gas cards to area visitors," Downey recalled. "We hope 'Taking Vacation Back' will spotlight worthy recipients in communities nationwide."

Participation in "Taking Vacation Back" is easy. The nomination process requires two clicks at www.MyPigeonForge.com as well as a 100-word essay. Monthly winners are determined by votes from visitors to the website.

"The stories we have seen are amazing and inspiring. From job loss and health issues to returning military members seeking to assimilate back into the community, the stories of need are everywhere around us," Downey said.

Pigeon Forge boasts a resident population of approximately 5,800 people and attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. It is home to Tennessee's most visited ticketed attraction, Dollywood, as well as more than a dozen theaters, scores of family attractions and more than 250 outlet, craft and specialty stores.

Its next-door neighbor, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the most visited national park in the U.S.

Details about Pigeon Forge, including "Taking Vacation Back," are at www.MyPigeonForge.com.