Hundreds of people came out Saturday, May 24, to enjoy the sunny weather, sample great food and show their appreciation for law enforcement.
All proceeds benefited injured Columbia County Deputy Gavin White and the family of fallen Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes.
Sikes was killed in the line of duty and White was gravely injured April 26 when they stopped James Blake Montgomery on I-20 and attempted to serve a domestic violence temporary restraining order. The officers had served the warrant without incident and were walking back to their vehicles when Montgomery began firing a 9 mm AR pistol he had converted into a fully-automatic weapon, according to Sheriff Clay Whittle.
Organizer Bo Chavous says the event, which featured classic and modified cars, plenty of kids activities, food from Villa Europa and Heaven on Earth Barbecue, was a tremendous success and went off without a hitch.
“Our original event, if you remember, was rained out, but people got the word out that we had moved the event to the Elks Lodge and the community really showed up. And this time the weather cooperated,” Chavous said.
The event did raise some scrutiny, as it was not sponsored by Columbia County or any known charity, rather it was all put together by four friends, Bethanny Troia, Corey Lichtenberg, Phillip Jacobs, and Chavous. Prior to the original event, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office alerted the media that, while they had been approached to provide security, they did not in any way sanction the event.
Speculation grew that the event might be a scam of some kind, leading to at least one sponsor, Beasley Broadcasting, to pull out. Out of caution, the Augusta Press removed an article promoting the event.
However, Michael White, father of Deputy Gavin White, attended the event and his presence immediately dispelled any fears that the event was a possible hoax, but rather, a legitimate fundraiser put on by well-meaning local citizens.
“It’s really overwhelming. The community has really shown us a lot of love. I’m just overwhelmed,” White said.
Organizer Corey Lichtenberg says that the Sheriff’s Office’s caution did not hurt the event and he doesn’t fault their concern.
“There was a little miscommunication, but this was our first time putting on a event this size. There are people out there that have set up fake Go Fund Me accounts, but they know now that we are the real deal. We love and appreciate the men and women in law enforcement and we wanted to give the community the opportunity to support them,” Lichtenberg said.
Lichtenberg and Chavous say that they plan to continue holding the event annually along with a turkey giveaway in the fall.
White says his son continues to recover.
“He has a long, long road ahead of him, but his spirits are up and he is slowly healing,” White said.
