GALA SPRING FUNDRAISER A HUGE SUCCESS
By Dr. Doug Tarver
SRK Board Member and Professor, South Georgia College

On April 26, Curtis Farrar, a Douglas attorney, hosted the first annual gala spring fundraiser and membership drive for Satilla RIVERKEEPER®. The event was held at the historic Satilla River Club off the Old River Road south of Atkinson in Brantley County, where Curtis is a member. A theme of "From Coffee to Camden" emerged as we realized that the over 150 guests came from all over the watershed, gathered to support the common cause. Many were already members of SRK, but around three quarters became affiliated for the first time. When we played the "who came the furthest" game we quickly realized that Willachoochee, Waynesville, Waycross, and Woodbine were just a few of the towns represented and that the level of support we are experiencing is truly heartwarming. Hosts and guests alike were treated to what many proclaimed to be the best catfish they had ever eaten. Advocates for the river enjoyed the music of the band "Marshgrass," while conversing, dining, and looking over auction items. The pouring rain and dreary skies dampened spirits in no noticeable way.

Many local and state elected officials were present, and Rep. "Chuck" Sims emceed the official remarks, which included comments from Bunny Stevens, Bert Deener and Spud Woodward of the DNR, and from Doug Tarver and Gordon Rogers of SRK. Messages were serious but upbeat, and were well-received by the crowd. Rev. Sam Rogers of Tift County provided inspirational remarks, and Rev. Tommy Gill of Brantley County provided the invocation. The verbal and silent auctions were successful thanks to the quality of items donated to help the Satilla. In addition to Curtis, and those mentioned above, hearty thanks go out to Terry Dickson of the Georgia Times Union for covering the event. Terry's front page article entitled "A Wave of Support," complemented by two color pictures, appeared in the April 28th edition. View the online version of Terry's article.

We need your help for the 2006 event, and we need to start putting things together now. Volunteer to solicit major cash donors or donors of auction items from your area. Email the SRK office or call 912-778-3126, or email volunteer coordinator Gloria Taylor or call her at 912-778-4021 to get on board.

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