Three local nonprofits got a hero’s welcome, Monday night, during Grovetown City Council’s monthly meeting.
American Hero Pro Rodeo raised $29,000 at its latest show in Liberty Park on April 18 and 19 to donate to Concerned Women of Grovetown, Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry of Harlem, and Bright Eyes Veterans Housing Initiative, based in Augusta. The City of Grovetown joined American Hero, Monday, in awarding the funds to all three.
“These are the heroes that are out here, giving their time, their own money, working their tails off… because it’s hard raise money, and in turn, they’re not pocketing it,” said Harlem City Councilman Al Reeves, who presented the check alongside American Hero Pro Rodeo. “They’re not driving Cadillacs and wearing Rolexes. They’re giving it back to the community. The Good Lord has blessed them, and they are being a blessing to others, and tonight we’re going to be just a small part of that.”
Bright Eyes received $17,000, while Concerned Women of Grovetown, which provides food, clothing and resources to the homeless and underprivileged, and Fishes and Loaves each received $6,000.
“We promise, as long as we rodeo you’ll be in our hearts, prayers and hopefully in our checkbooks,” Reeves said.
Grovetown Mayor Gary Jones honored fallen Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes on behalf of the city by officially dedicating April 26 to his memory, urging citizens to observe the date “each year with appropriate displays of respect and gratitude,” also recognizing Deputy Gavin White, who is currently recovering from his injuries sustained in the same incident.
Spc. Larry Ray was the city’s honoree, in May, for its monthly recognition of local Vietnam Veterans. Ray was drafted in the Army right after graduating high school in March of 1964, and received basic training at Fort Gordon. There would support the war effort in his assigned role as a military personnel specialist — earning a sharpshooter badge — until his honorable discharge in 1966. Shortly after he moved with his wife to Grovetown where he’s lived since.
“I think the Lord had a hand in all of this,” said Ray, who earlier, when Councilman Richard Bowman presented him with the certificate of recognition, took time to express reverence for fellow servicemembers who had been deployed to Vietnam and did not make it home. “He got me out of Tennessee and brought me to Grovetown.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
