Georgia Highlands College 'Heroes' contribute to the Red Cross

By Kim Cornett
Assistant Editor

The student organizations of Georgia Highlands College recently raised $1,015 in the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Hero Program.
The members of the Student Government Association, Human Service Club, Ambassadors, Six Mile Post staff and American Criminal Justice Association exceeded their goal of $1,000 during the three-week fundraiser, which ended on March 19.
Greg Sumner, assistant professor of criminal justice and American Criminal Justice Association adviser, said, “As with anything in life, attitude plays a key role. I knew from the beginning the people involved had the right attitude. In my opinion, the amount they raised was not as significant as the way they embraced the concept of community service and how they actually worked together as a team to raise their funds.”
Students raised the money by starting a “Wall of Heroes,” which was located right outside the Student Life Office. When making a donation, people signed their name to a Red Cross square, which was then added to the wall.
The other option was to give a $2 donation to qualify for a drawing. Prizes for the drawing, which took place on Monday, March 18, were a $50 Wal-Mart gift certificate, a one-hour full body massage, dinner for two at Chili's and a full automobile detailing.
The Georgia Highlands College fundraiser was part of a community wide effort in which Rome and Floyd County came together to make the Heroes Program a success. Numerous stores and restaurants participated.
The total amount raised by the community, including Georgia Highlands College, was $49,118.
Jeff Chandler, SGA senator and member of the American Criminal Justice Association, headed up the Georgia Highlands College fundraiser. He said, “I was honored by being asked to facilitate this project between all groups involved. This was an awesome opportunity for myself and other students to learn lessons about serving our community. These types of opportunities are seldom replicated within the confines of classroom and curriculum. The level of student body involvement was truly astounding, to say the least.”
The funds raised from the Heroes Program go to families in need of support for a military crisis, disaster relief and CPR and water safety training. Sumner said, “A hero is one who defies the odds and triumphs in a time of need. We have some true heroes at Georgia Highlands College.”