Volunteering has a significant impact on people and the communities in which they live. Cumberland County continues to reap the benefits of a volunteer project that first began 8 years ago as a youth service project. The youth led Partners With Pride project convened a group of dedicated community leaders that resulted in a partnership among, local businesses, Cumberland County Extension, and the Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce that is focused on community beautification and revitalization. 

After the initial Partners With Pride project, the committee sponsored a new festival called River Festivus that is focused on promoting local tourism and becoming a certified Kentucky Trail Town. The now annual festival is held the 3^rd weekend in August in Burkesville. The 3-day events features, kayak, paddle board, and canoe races. The festival also features a 5K race, car show, fishing tournament, and a concerts from a national performing bands. Promotional videos about the event for 2021 have already been viewed by over 20,000 people on Facebook and all hotels and resorts are at full capacity for the festival.   

Since its inception, Partners With Pride has raised over $200,000 in private funds that have been used for multiple community development projects. Additionally, as a result of the Partners With Pride continued work, the City of Burkesville was awarded a Transportation Alternative Program grant for $178,536 in April 2019 to improve sidewalks from the town square to the ramp at the Cumberland River. The funds also will facilitate the pedestrian flow between the town square, senior citizen center, Veterans Park, and the Cumberland River.

The 4^th annual River Festivus 2021 will feature a free performance by the Grammy winning Kentucky Headhunters. Officials are planning for over 10,000 in attendance which would make it the biggest event ever held in Cumberland County. Partners With Pride has raised over $40,000 from community businesses for the 2021 River Festivus. Youth community engagement can make a lasting impact.