Non-Profit Organizations

NEWS - Non-Profit Organizations

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 23, 2012 - Savannah/Chatham CASA, Inc. held their first board meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, the non-profit agency that recruits, screens, trains, and supervises community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are under the jurisdiction of the Chatham County Juvenile Court.

The Board of Directors welcomed their newly elected Executive Committee which includes Chairperson, Karen Wilds (Savannah State University); Vice-Chairperson, Stephanie Mobley (Savannah Power Yoga); Secretary, Trudy Gellatly (The Gretsch Company); Treasurer, Ryan Sewell (Bernard Williams Company).

According to Wilds, she looks forward to a successful 2012 and the continuous support of board. The Executive Committee will serve in their current role until December 31, 2012.

The Board of Directors also filled board vacancies during the meeting including Rev. Ricardo Manuel (Second Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church); Vernon Taylor, Jr. (IPC International); and Antoinette Scaringi (Premier Consulting, LLC). The new members will undergo Board Orientation in February and join the governing body at that time.

Savannah/Chatham CASA is popularly known for its annual fundraiser, Dancing with Savannah Stars. Held last November, the fundraiser raised over $90,000 for the local child advocacy agency.

Winners for the event included: Best Female Dancer – Ginger Fawcett (Liquid Ginger); Best Male Dancer – Jesse Blanco (The Coastal Source); Viewer’s Choice – Don Logana (WTOC-TV); and Top Fundraiser – Katy Moretz (Savannah Neurology).

Post-event totals concluded that Ashlea Hilliard Carson (Carey Hilliard’s Restaurant) was the highest fundraiser with the most funds donated towards CASA. The program will host its 5th annual event this November.

Savannah/Chatham CASA is supported through funding from Georgia Department of Human Services - Promoting Safe & Stable Families, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council –State of Georgia, United Way of the Coastal Empire, National CASA, Georgia CASA and direct public support.

NEWS - Non-Profit Organizations

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 23, 2012 – This Saturday, January 28, the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Eighth Air Force in Savannah.  

Seventy years ago this month, the 8th Air Force was activated in Savannah in what is now the American Legion Post on Bull Street at the south end of Forsyth Park. A historical marker marks the founding.

The Eighth Air Force was a critical strike element in World War II and remains an active force today. The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum provides a powerful museum experience of the patriotism displayed by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force from World War II to present.

Guided tours of the Museum will be offered at 10 am and 1 pm, with the goal of helping history come to life as World War II Eighth Air Force veterans will be meeting and greeting visitors.

And, the museum will be presenting the History Channel’s, “World War II in HD – The Air War” at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the DeCicco Theater which will be included in the Museum’s admission rate. 

Told through the gripping, first person accounts of three American airmen and Stars & Stripes reporter Andy Rooney, The Air War showcases breathtaking aerial combat – original, color footage, never before seen by most Americans – of the B-17s “Flying Fortresses”, P-47 “Thunderbolts” and P-51 “Mustangs” on missions such as Regensburg, Schweinfurt and Berlin. Included is never-before-seen 8mm footage of the airmen on the bases, the devastation in Germany, and the Luftwaffe perspective is also highlighted. Flying 25,000 feet above the earth in oxygen-devoid air, and temperatures as low as 50 below zero, the 8th Air Force fought a war unlike anything ever before experienced. By the end, they would suffer more than 26,000 combat deaths – more than the US Marines lost in all of World War II.

There will also be a free children’s introductory model airplane building classes at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. throughout the special day. Participants will also receive a free child’s admission to the Museum with the purchase of their model airplane. World War II models are on sale for $12 in the Museum’s Gift Store.

Spaces are limited for the building classes, and parents are asked to please contact Heather at             912-748-8888 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The museum is located at 175 Bourne Avenue in Pooler, right off of I-95 at Exit 102, and is open daily from 9 AM until 5 PM except on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

NEWS - Non-Profit Organizations

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 23, 2012 - Wet Willie's national chain of daiquiri bars and full-service restaurants, headquartered in Savannah, recently donated a check for $10,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Coastal Georgia.

Wet Willie’s representatives Joe Ann Brandt and Emily Dickinson presented the check in a special presentation last week at Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Coastal Georgia office at 2250 E. Victory Dr, Savannah.

The donated funds were raised as part of a comprehensive Wet Willie’s fundraising campaign, which kicked off with a successful Breast Cancer Awareness Party on October 1; the company met its original goal to raise $10,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Coastal Georgia.

“We may be a relatively small company, but our employees and our customers have big hearts,” said Bill Dickinson, CEO of Wet Willie’s Management Corp. “We raised this money thanks to the dedication of our employees and the generosity of our customers. We are truly grateful for their contributions.”

The latest Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Coastal Georgia donation is part of more than $96,000 in charitable financial contributions Wet Willie’s made in 2011. Last year, the company donated more than $30,000 to the Savannah Waterfront Association, $25,000 to the Savannah Music Festival, $10,000 to the 200 Club, $8,000 to the Savannah Tech Scholarship Fund, $2,500 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and another $5,500 to various local non-profit organizations.

“At Wet Willie’s, we believe in giving back to the communities where we do business,” said Emily Dickinson, Director of Marketing and Human Resources.  “That has been part of our mission from the very beginning. We are proud to help raise awareness about the importance of joining the fight against breast cancer and are delighted to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Coastal Georgia.”  

Wet Willie's was originally founded in 1989 by a small group of friends in Savannah, and has grown to become a national chain of daiquiri bars and full-service restaurants at 14 locations in the U.S.

NEWS - Non-Profit Organizations

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 16, 2012 – The 2012 Sporting Clays Tournament will be held in Savannah on Friday, January 27.  This popular annual event includes a sporting clays tournament, shooting clinic, shells, wild game lunch, hors d’oeuvres and beverages, with proceeds benefiting Bethesda Academy.

Originally founded in 1740 as an orphanage, Betheda Academy today is home to one of region;s leading private schools for boys emphasizing a love of God, a love of learning and a strong work ethic. This event is open to the public.

The tournament will be held at the Forest City Gun Club at 9203 Ferguson Avenue. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. with the wild game lunch at 11:30 a.m.  The Shooting Clinic will be held at 12:15 p.m., and the official tournament begins at 1 p.m.

To register for the 2012 Sporting Clays Tournament, call Elizabeth Brown at             912.351.2061.  The cost is $800 for a team of four. There is also more information at www.bethesdaacademy.org  or by calling 912.351.2061.       

Originally founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child caring institute in America. A successful school for boys, Bethesda is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and features a wide range of academic, athletic, vocational and spiritual development opportunities.

NEWS - Non-Profit Organizations

By Lou Phelps, SBJ Staff

Jan 23, 2012 – Chatham County’s Live Oak Library foundation, which helps to raise funds for the library system that serves Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties,  held the most successful fundraising gala in the 0foundation’s history with more than 320 donors attending a $100-a-ticket buffet and auction evening.

The Live Oak Library foundation’s board held the event at the library system’s newest branch, the Southwest branch at the Savannah Mall, with a heart theme for the Valentine’s Day season of “Roses are READ.”

The event’s co-chairs were Christopher H. “Smitty” Smith, attorney with Thomerson, Macchiaverna & Smith, PC and Brad Harmon of Hunter McLean, both members of the foundation’s Board of Directors.  They have also helped found The Wyeth Society, a group of young professionals in support of the public library system. 

Harmon congratulated the library’s staff and board members for their hard work, particularly Ed Fields who worked with Heather Harmon and the team that gathered the auction items.  Jeff Jepson was chair of the Auction.

Chatham County Commissioner Helen Stone and her mother Helen Lynah were in attendance, along with Russ Abolt and his wife Diane.

The principal sponsors of the events were The Bellwether Foundation, Inc. and Hunter Maclean. , along with a number of generous local companies and individuals who made contributions to the auction.

Christian Kruse is the Library’s Director, and Christy Divine is the Foundation’s Manager.   

The amount raised from the silent auction was not available at press deadline.

Tommy Chu of Bull River Beverage provided the cocktail hour, a long-time supporter of the Foundation.

NEWS - Non-Profit Organizations

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 3, 2012 – According to Barbara Essig, executive director of First Tee of Savannah, 2011 will go down as one of the most transformational years in The First Tee of Savannah’s eight year history. 

“This year we launched The First Tee National School Program (NSP) at East Broad Street K-8 School and Bartow Elementary which provides elementary schools with a complete golf program, appropriate for today’s physical education students and teachers. 

The First Tee National School Program curriculum centers on four primary areas:  1) lifelong activity, 2) character education, personal and social responsibility, 3) motor skills, and 4) developmental approach to learning.

“One of our goals in 2012 is to implement the NSP in three additional Savannah Chatham County Schools with the help from benevolent supporters. Since the global economic downturn in 2008, The First Tee of Savannah has faced significant financial challenges, explains Essig. “We saw a decline in the income generated by local and national founders which supports our operating budget. Sustainability for the Chapter was made possible through community partners, supporters, foundations contributions, grants, and individual donors. Scholarship funds were established in recognition of individuals whose legacy will be remembered through scholarships for children who otherwise would not have access to learn the game of golf.”   

In 2011, the groups board of directors “spent a lot of time reflecting on our past, celebrating where we are today, and looking forward to the future.  We developed a Strategic Plan for 2012-2015 that is customer driven,” she outlines.  “Our customer’s needs have changed and we’ve had to change in order to survive and flourish.  Beginning 2012, we will institute on-line registration; utilize technology and social media to market our services and to increase enrollment.”

“What’s remained the same are the Nine Core Values upon which The First Tee was founded.  We will continue to provide quality customer service while teaching life skills and healthy habits using golf to help make character count.  We will also continue to acknowledge the participants’ academic achievements and graduation from high school,” she adds.

The First Tee of Savannah enrolled over 400 youth in its Life Skills Experience Program and reached out to over 1500 children in 2011. The program also offers free enrollment for all active duty military and reservists’ families through the Department of Defense Military Affiliate Program. 

The LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program is also available for girls 5-15, teaching leadership skills and building self-esteem one stroke at a time. 

In 2012, First Tee plans to expand upon the Healthy Greens Summer Camp, Mentoring Program and After-School Tutoring in partnership with colleges and local golf associations.  “Most importantly, we will provide services to any child who wishes to join regardless of physical or economic challenges,” Essig emphasizes.

NEWS - Non-Profit Organizations

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 3, 2012 -  Historic Savannah Foundation, a leading preservation organization committed to preserving and protecting Savannah's heritage, announced a new strategy to bring attention to preservation efforts, with a planned month-long series of events in May.

The Savannah Preservation Festival will launch on Thurs., May 3, kicking off a month-long celebration of National Preservation Month. All events will be open to the public, intended to reinforce HSF’s mission.

“The Savannah Preservation Festival will be a signature event that emphasizes our core mission of education and outreach,” said Daniel Carey, president and CEO of Historic Savannah Foundation. “We hope everyone will mark their calendars and plan to support and attend Savannah’s newest festival. Where better to celebrate the beauty and impact of preservation than in America’s most beautiful and well-preserved city?”

Highlights of the 2012 Savannah Preservation Festival will include a launch party at Ships of the Sea Museum on the evening of May 3, a volunteer work day at the W.W. Law House on May 5, the HSF Preservation Awards Presentation Luncheon on May 10 and a special walking tour of past award winners on May 18.

Additional events will include a tribute to Isaiah Davenport on May 19, which will focus on Davenport’s architectural legacy in Savannah and offer visual examples of his imprint on Savannah development in the early 19th century. 

“Preservation impacts everyone in our community,” said Terri O’Neil, development director at Historic Savannah Foundation. “We look forward to celebrating Savannah’s commitment to preservation – past, present and future – during this lively festival.”

The Savannah Preservation Festival will also present a free lecture by Preservation Society of Charleston executive director Evan Thompson on May 24.  A special Raffle Drawing Party will close out the celebration on May 31. 

Individual tickets and ticket packages will be available when Savannah Preservation Festival tickets officially go on sale on March 1. For more information, please call 912.233.7787 or visit www.myhsf.org.        

Historic Savannah Foundation was established in 1955 in order to save the 1820 Isaiah Davenport House from demolition. From this initial project, Historic Savannah Foundation launched a Revolving Fund which has since saved 350+ buildings. The mission of Historic Savannah Foundation is to preserve and protect Savannah’s heritage through advocacy, education and community involvement.

NEWS - Non-Profit Organizations

SBJ Staff Report

Dec 19, 2011 - The Savannah Downtown Business Association has sponsored a toy drive over the past few weeks in order to bring Christmas to local children in need, presenting the toys to the Moses Jackson Center at their annual Christmas Party this past Saturday, December 17.

The children got an extra surprise when Santa made a special visit, according to Spy Gibson with SVDA.   

“This will be the only gifts that some of these kids will receive this year. It’s important to give back this time of year,” said Ruel Joyner, president of the SDBA. “The SDBA would like to thank everyone who gave toys. Special thanks go to Shane’s Rib Shack for donating food for the event and Althea Street and Shante Brown for all of their hard work including wrapping all of the presents. This is truly a great cause that brings Christmas presents to children who may otherwise not receive any.”