FGSCC Announces Recipients of Nearly $25,000 in Grants and Scholarships at Banquet

AUGUSTA, Ga. - May 3, 2014 - PRLog -- Long supportive of community institutions and education, the Fort Gordon Spouses’ & Civilians’ Club held on May 1 its annual grants and scholarship banquet during which the club gave out almost $25,000 in awards to community organizations and students.

The banquet, held at the Fat Man’s Mill Café at Enterprise Mill, featured an address by the Rev. Paul K. Bradford, a motivational speaker and retired U.S. Army chaplain with 34 years of service. His inspirational message focused on the courage to be confident. Awards were presented byCommand Sgt. Maj. Ronald S. Pflieger, part of the leadership of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon.

“Making a difference in our community and helping people achieve their education goals drive the volunteers of the FGSCC,” said Angela Kennedy, the club’s president. “I am proud of our club and the organizations and students we are honoring.”

During the banquet, the club presented $14,800 in grants to community service and military organizations. Grant recipients include:Academy of Richmond County JROTC, Army Distaff, Augusta Chapter of the American Red Cross, Augusta Rescue Mission, Crosscreek High NJROTC, Dogs On Deployment, Downtown Cooperative Food Pantry, Evans High JROTC, Family Promise of Augusta, Fort Gordon Fisher House, Fort Gordon Youth Challenge, Freedom Park PTSO, Freedom Park School Council, Georgia War Veterans (Blue Goose), Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Glenn Hills NJROTC, Golden Harvest Food Bank, Greenbrier NJROTC, Hephzibah High JROTC, Hope House, Lakeside High JROTC, The Lydia Project, National Military Family, Projecting Lifting Spirits, Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services, Safe Homes of Augusta, Semper Fi – America’s Fund, Southeastern Paralyzed Vets, Student 2 Student, Walton Foundation for Independence, Westside High School NJROTC, and When Help Can’t Wait.

The club also presented $10,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors and a military spouse pursuing a college degree. Scholarship recipients include:Tabitha Taylor, Academy of Richmond County; Rachael Friedman, Augusta Preparatory Day School; Ashley Behrend and Rachel Helling, Greenbrier High School; Alexis Berry and Andrew McNight, Grovetown High School; Brandi Graham and Jared Long, Harlem High School; Lara Way, Lakeside High School; and Caroline Page, Westminster Schools of Augusta. The Continuing Education Military Spouse scholarship was awarded to Darren Broderick.

The scholarships and grants are awarded annually and are funded by profits from the club’s Fort Gordon Thrift Shop and club fundraisers. The shop sells furniture, clothing and toys and allows Department of Defense identification card holders to consign items. Tax-deductible donations are also accepted. In 2013, the club awarded $21,000 in scholarships and grants.

“Our Thrift Shop volunteers and staff work hard every year so that we can give back to the community,” said Stephanie Lainez, manager of the Fort Gordon Thrift Shop. “We are thrilled that our efforts have allowed the club to increase its annual giving and help more students and organizations.”

Fort Gordon Spouses’ & Civilians’ Club is an active part of the Fort Gordon community, leading community service projects, operating the Thrift Shop, and providing volunteer opportunities, special events and activities. A private nonprofit organization, FGSCC is not affiliated with Fort Gordon or the U.S. Army. Membership in the club is $15 annually and is open to anyone affiliated with Fort Gordon.For more information, please visit www.fgscc.com.