LaShaunda Jordan | The Valdosta Daily TimesThe Ninth Annual Barnes Healthcare Services 5K Fun Run raised more than $28,000. Barnes Healthcare Services presented 100 percent of the proceeds to QUOLA. 

VALDOSTA — Barnes Healthcare Services annually hosts a 5K fun run to raise money for a community charity. 

More than $28,000 was raised earlier in the year during the Ninth Annual 5K Fun Run, according to organizers. Every cent of the proceeds were donated to QUOLA (Quality of Life Association of Lowndes County and Valdosta), a community charity in the southside historic district.

“I love your vision and your passion. It has touched a chord with us and inspires me more,” said Charlie Barnes IV, Barnes Healthcare Services CEO.

He said the selection committee reviewed four to five charities, and for the first time in a while the committee made a unanimous decision in selecting QUOLA.

The mission of QUOLA is to identify and develop educational programs that focus on human and economic development for a diverse audience that includes the disadvantaged, the unemployed, the disabled and the youth.

“What I see is the want to develop and build future leaders. It starts with building the foundation with the kids. To show them we can do anything,” Barnes said.

QUOLA’s ultimate vision is to make Valdosta/Lowndes County a better place for all citizens to live, work, learn, earn a living and develop their fullest potential.

Dr. Amanda Brown, QUOLA founder, said “the vision became an effort to keep the building. A remnant of the southside historic district.”

QUOLA has been in Valdosta since 1994. Currently, the vision is to reach more youth. Contributions such as the one from Barnes Healthcare keeps the programs going strong.

“You’ve come here at a very pivotal time. We need you. We need people like you in the area,” Brown said.

QUOLA offers a multitude of free empowering services to children as well as adults in the area.

Firm, fair and consistent treatment is what Azerline Williams, who supervises the education curriculum, said the children and community need. Williams said “if there is no yesterday, then there is no tomorrow.”

Williams had an emotional response when it came to talking about the children. Her children.

“Children are my passion. When it comes to the children I believe they need me,” Williams said.

 

LaShaunda Jordan is the business reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1257.