BBQ puts the ‘fun’ in fundraiser
Published 2:18 pm Wednesday, May 7, 2014
- Candy’s Crew receives a check for ESE student Disney trip. Front row from left, Winn-Dixie’s Andy Jackson, Winn-Dixie Store Director Terri Bell, ESE students Travis Tampling, Mariah Wolfe, Luke Whittington and Jesse Wolfe, Suwannee Correctional Institution Warden Chris Landrum and Winn-Dixie’s Laura Watley. Back row from left, Winn-Dixie’s Joe Moore, Suwannee County Sheriff's Deputy Cpl. Scott Gamble, Live Oak Police Chief Buddy Williams, Suwannee Correctional Institution’s Maj. Edith Pride, ESE students Lajonathan Williams, Hannah Rosenbeck, Chandler Williams, Brett Moon, Brianna Bell and Suwannee Correctional Institution’s Col. Richard Lukens.
A check totaling $3,200 was donated to Candy’s Crew (Suwannee County Schools Exceptional Student Education teacher Candy Vickers and class) on April 30 thanks to the collaborative efforts of Live Oak’s Winn-Dixie, Live Oak Police Department and Suwannee Correctional Institution. Through the contributions of food, cooking, time and efforts the money came through a barbecue lunch fundraiser held outside of Winn-Dixie on April 25 that will allow ESE students to take a trip to Orlando for a fun day at Disney World on Friday, May 9.
There were big smiles by all and a few tears of joy for those who made it all come together.
“I want to thank my staff and store,” local Winn-Dixie Director Terri Bell said. “Our team is exceptional. I can’t do anything without the support of my team. We plan it, we organize it, then we reach out to our sponsors to help us, but without the store and staff, it’s just not possible.”
She said although their efforts are often silent and behind the scene, they play a huge role in the success of the different fundraisers for which they’re involved.
“It was totally awesome. You could not ask for a better partnership than what we have,” said Bell when asked about the different local entities and contributing community efforts.
“You know, The Live Oak Police Department and Chief Buddy Williams and (SCI) Warden Chris Landrum were great, but without the community involvement, it wouldn’t have been as successful,” said Bell. “It makes you feel great. I appreciate Miss Vickers and what she does for our kids.”
She also wanted to thank Winn-Dixie District Director Todd Greene for which her involvement wouldn’t be possible without his help.
“He’s a big support who’s behind me,” said Bell. “He supports us unconditionally in our community involvement.”
She also handed an emotionally-overwhelmed Vickers 14 Disney World tickets that weren’t dated and could be used anytime. Bell said the tickets were an anonymous donation. Vickers gave Bell the biggest hug and thanked her.
“I’m glad that Winn-Dixie, DOC (Department of Corrections) and everybody came together to help raise monies for these beautiful children and send them on a field trip of dreams,” said Williams. “It’s a wonderful thing that our community has done. It’s been well worth it.”
