THE AMERICAN VETERAN PROPERTIES’ VETS UNITED FESTIVAL IS MAY 21 IN RICHMOND HILL

RICHMOND HILL, GA – APRIL 27, 2022 – The Vets United 2022 resource festival, organized by Team Savannah for Veterans and sponsored by American Veteran Properties, is set for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 21 at J.F. Gregory Park in Richmond Hill. This family friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, and a variety of veteran-centric organizations and groups, such as the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) 25-2, SD Gunner Fund, American Legion, Fight the War Within, Provisions for Patriots, and many others. In addition, there will be bounce houses, a dunk tank, and other activities for children to enjoy.

In addition to his support in the form of title sponsorship, American Veteran Properties owner Eric Lukkarinen will be giving away a Remington 700 SPS rifle, worth approximately $960. There is no cost to enter the drawing. Attendees should stop by the AVP table to sign up for this free opportunity to win the rifle, though participants must be age 18 or older to enter. The drawing will take place at 5 p.m., at the conclusion of the festival, and the winner need not be present at the time his or her name is drawn. If necessary, the winner will be notified by phone or email.  

Event coordinators and Team Savannah for Veterans Leaders Chris O’Malley and Thomas Nash look forward to welcoming fellow veterans and their families to the festival, which they think attendees will find helpful.

“We’re proud to put this event on as something that will benefit members of the military community and allow them to explore the resources available to them,” O’Malley said. “Plus, it’s  a great opportunity for families to come enjoy a spring day outdoors, check out the vendors, grab lunch, let the kids play – just have a little fun.”

Lukkarinen, also a veteran, signed on as the event’s title sponsor as a way to show his appreciation for military members as well as the organizations that serve them. He added the free rifle giveaway to encourage attendees to circulate, explore the booths staffed by veteran-based businesses and organizations, and make connections.

“This will be a great event. I’m looking forward to talking with a lot of veterans, their families, and people excited to support veterans. As a former soldier myself, I’ve seen how helpful programs like this one are to both active and former military members,” Lukkarinen said. “Come on by AVP’s booth, chat with us, let us get you signed up for the free rifle giveaway, and learn more about how we help military families in this community.”

American Veteran Properties offers the highest quality advice and support for military members to make the best decision for themselves and their families, in addition to helping military members enjoy homeownership while building and growing personal wealth. For more information, please visit americanveteranproperties.com, call 912-385-3000, email sales@americanveteranproperties.com or visit them on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

For more information on the Vets Untied 2022 resource festival, to sign up as a vendor, or to become a sponsor, please visit https://ts4v.com/vets-united.

-ENDS-

For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651, Lesley Francis at lesley@francis.com or 912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377). 

AMERICAN VETERAN PROPERTIES WELCOMES NEW AGENT CHLOE CASTILLO TO THE TEAM

RICHMOND HILL, GA – APRIL 27, 2022 – American Veteran Properties recently welcomed new agent Chloe Castillo to its team of seasoned real estate professionals. Like AVP’s other agents and staffers, Castillo’s military connection makes her a great fit for the agency.

Castillo’s husband, James, served 10 years in the U.S. Army, eight of which were spent in the 3/160th SOAR unit. As a military family, the Castillos and their three children have relocated several times, a few of which meant finding a new home in a very short period of time. Chloe found those experiences stressful and difficult for her family, so she’s eager to help ensure a smooth and easy transition for other military families facing the same challenges she dealt with. Before earning her real estate license and launching her career, Castillo worked in the medical field for 13 years. She is ready to put her market knowledge and experiences as a military spouse to work for AVP’s clients and looks forward to making new connections.

“I am here to help you every step of the way so that your closing process is smooth and enjoyable. I’m excited to combine my skills, passion, and energy with American Veteran Properties to build lasting relationships with clients and better our community,” Castillo said.

AVP owner and CEO Eric Lukkarinen was a soldier himself in the U.S. Army until 2001. After completing his service, he was a Realtor for 20 years, amassing sales experience with a concentration in buyer and seller residential transactions. Lukkarinen loved serving his country, but always had an eye on the future and an entrepreneurial inclination, which drove him to officially launch AVP last year.

With his team, Lukkarinen teaches military veterans how to take advantage of their benefits to make their families comfortable while building upward mobility and growing their personal wealth. It’s an extremely important concept that, if utilized correctly, can greatly improve a service member’s quality of life and set them up for a nice life following their exit from the military, according to Lukkarinen.

“We’re really happy to have Chloe on board with us at American Veteran Properties. As a military spouse whose family is used to service life, I know that Choe and I share the same values and work ethic. I’m confident she will work hard to ensure her clients have wonderful experiences when buying, selling, and renting homes with our company, and I know Chloe prioritizes the care and preservation of families, just like the rest of my team,” Lukkarinen said.

American Veteran Properties offers the highest quality advice and support for military members to make the best decision for themselves and their families, in addition to helping military members enjoy homeownership while building and growing personal wealth. For more information, please visit americanveteranproperties.com, call 912-385-3000, email sales@americanveteranproperties.com or visit them on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

-ENDS-

For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancis.com or 912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

 

HISTORIC SAVANNAH FOUNDATION OFFICIALLY CLOSES ON KIAH HOUSE, ASSUMES OWNERSHIP

SAVANNAH, GA – April 26, 2022 – On Monday, April 25, Historic Savannah Foundation took a big step toward providing a happy ending for the Virginia Jackson Kiah House, which has been vacant for 20 years as a contested probate process kept the building’s fate in limbo. HSF is now proud to announce they’ve officially closed on the property and have assumed ownership.

The closing marked the culmination of a quiet but persistent two-year effort on HSF’s part to save the deteriorating home of Kiah, a celebrated artist, educator, and activist who died in December 2001. The nonprofit organization first secured a contract to purchase this endangered landmark in July 2020, after a year of correspondence and negotiation with the estate’s attorney. Over the past two years, HSF’s leadership has been in constant communication with the legal team handling the probate process.

Virginia Jackson Kiah was an accomplished African-American artist who moved to Savannah with her husband Calvin in the early 1950s. Segregation laws still in effect at that time prevented Kiah from enjoying the museums she had longed since childhood to visit across the Southern United States. And exhibiting her own work was certainly not an option.  

Undeterred, she founded her own museum in 1959 inside her home at 505 W. 36th St. in Savannah, where she welcomed all visitors and featured artwork by a variety of artists, regardless of race. It became a popular community gathering place, drawing artists, politicians, entertainers and, of course, the general public. 

HSF has not yet determined the Kiah House’s new use, but their leadership hopes to develop a plan that serves the community and honors Kiah’s memory.

“Historic Savannah Foundation is very happy to finally close on the Kiah House. For now, we are relieved to have the property under HSF’s umbrella so that we can protect it in perpetuity,” HSF President & CEO Sue Adler said. 

For future announcements and plans regarding the Kiah House, please follow HSF on their social media accounts – including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn – and visit the website at myhsf.org. 

Historic Savannah Foundation, a leading nonprofit preservation and cultural institution, saves buildings, places, and stories that define Savannah’s past, present, and future. Following its formation in 1955, the organization started a Revolving Fund to save endangered historic properties, now totaling nearly 410 buildings throughout several of Savannah’s historic districts. HSF continues to build capacity within its operations, secure new financial resources, improve its image and visibility, and increase public policy efforts to protect Savannah’s historic districts. 

-ENDS-

For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

LESLEY FRANCIS PUBLIC RELATIONS RAISES THE BAR BY ANNOUNCING PROMOTIONS, NEW TEAM MEMBER

RICHMOND HILL, GA – April 22, 2022 – Lesley Francis Public Relations (LFPR) has announced the promotions of three current employees and the addition of a new employee. 

Kristyn Fielding, who has been with LFPR for six years, was elevated from senior account manager to account director. Allie Robinson, a two-year LFPR veteran and former senior account executive, is now an account manager, and Crystal Vogel, a team member of four years, is now the social media and design manager. LFPR also welcomed Emily Vonck, who served as the agency’s spring 2022 intern, to the team as a marketing assistant. Fielding and Robinson graduated from Georgia Southern University, which will soon be Vonck’s alma mater as well; Vogel earned her degree at Armstrong State University.

“I am delighted to have each one of these ladies on my team and thoroughly enjoy working with them daily,” LFPR founder and CEO Lesley Francis said. “Each staffer is dedicated to this company, its success, and the clients we serve, as is evidenced by quality work they produce and their wonderful attitudes. I am proud to offer these well-deserved promotions and excited to watch their careers continue to grow.” 

LFPR is a growing PR and marketing agency established by Lesley Francis in 2011. The award-winning firm is based in Richmond Hill, Ga, and currently serves over 25 nonprofit, small-business and education clients spanning from South Carolina to Florida. LFPR offers many services to fulfill all your marketing and PR needs including media relations, graphic design, crisis management, social media management, website building and maintenance, and much more. For more information, please visit lesleyfrancispr.com and follow them on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

– ENDS –

For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-5377.

VISITING STATELY HOMES

The best part of returning to England recently was seeing friends and family after nearly three years.  However, I also wanted to do some very “English” things while I was there to reconnect with my roots, and one of the most British things to do is visit one of its spectacular stately homes and gardens.

During our trip we stayed with some dear friends in their beautiful home in Surrey about an hour southwest of London.  Surrey is one of the four ‘home counties’, that is a county surrounding London which is popular with people who want to be close to the center of the metropolis via rail or road but also want to live outside of the busy city center.  On a beautiful sunny, but very cold Saturday, our friends took us to nearby Polesden Lacey for the day, a grand and stately home and grounds previously owned by the extremely wealthy socialite Dame Margaret Greville. 

Dame Margaret was an interesting character.  She was the daughter of William McEwan, a wealthy brewer and Member of Parliament.   Her father was keen to make a good match for his daughter and, as was often the case during these times, successful businessmen sought out impoverished nobility for their daughters to marry.  Both families benefitted since the daughters brought significant family money to the financially stretched “gentlemen classes” of England.  The newly joined families acquired a higher social status through the combination of nobility and money and if any love did blossom between the couple that was an additional benefit rather than a necessity for the marriage to proceed.  So, in 1891, Margaret married Captain Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Greville, heir to a baronetcy and a member of the “Marlborough house set”, the social circle surrounding the future King Edward VII.  

The couple lived in London and, when Ronnie retired in 1906, they bought 1400 acres in the Surrey countryside and commissioned architects famous for designing the Ritz Hotel in London to entirely renovate the huge but old house on the estate. Sadly, Ronnie died in 1908, a year before renovations were completed, but the result was fabulous.  Margaret hosted her first house party at Polesden in June 1909, marking the end of her mourning and her return to society.  The guest of honor was none other than King Edward VII. This impressive estate was her weekend retreat and the place where she entertained royalty, politicians and celebrities at lavish weekend parties for over 30 more years until 1942, including Winston Churchill, Beverly Nichols and Queen Ena of Spain.  

So how does such a wonderful stately home wind up being preserved so beautifully and stay open for the public to enjoy into the next century?  It is all due to Dame Margaret’s generous donation of Polesden Lacey house and gardens to a wonderful British organization called The National Trust. This is by far the largest charitable organization for heritage conservation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own National Trust organization which is run on similar lines and there are now other heritage organizations around the world.

Founded in 1895, the founders pledged to preserve historical and natural places and buildings of beauty or historic interest.  Set up by an attorney, social reformer and a member of the clergy, this non-profit organization was given statutory powers, starting with the National Trust Act 1907 which gave the Trust the power to declare its land inalienable, meaning that it could not be sold without parliamentary approval.  

In the early days, it was concerned primarily with the acquisition (by gift or purchase) of open spaces and a variety of threatened buildings.  Today The National Trust has nearly six million members and revenue equivalent to almost a billion dollars.  It is funded by membership subscriptions (starting at about $50 per year),  donations and legacies, direct property income, grants, profits from its shops and restaurants, and investments.

The National Trust has grown to become Europe’s largest conservation charity and focuses on preserving nature, beauty and history.  It owns and manages over 780 miles of coastline, over 500 historic houses, castles, parks, and gardens, and nearly one million works of art!  It is a wonderful British institution unlike anything else in the world, and Brits are extremely proud of it and its achievements.  There is much more information at www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

So back to our weekend visit to this lovely property.  As every British person knows, no visit to a National Trust property is complete without visiting the gift shop and getting a cup of hot tea and lemon drizzle cake in the tearoom.  I bought some traditional souvenirs including a dish towel, key ring and bookmark featuring images of Polesden Lacey, reasoning that all the profits go towards supporting the work of the National Trust.

Following my UK trip, this quote from author and journalist Earle Hitchner really resonates with me.  “The difference between America and England is that Americans think 100 years is a long time, while the English think 100 miles is a long way.”

God Bless America and the UK’s National Trust!

– ENDS –

Lesley grew up in London, England and made Georgia her home in 2009.  She can be contacted at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com  or via her PR and marketing agency at www.lesleyfrancispr.com

HISTORIC SAVANNAH FOUNDATION SLATED TO HOST PRESERVATION AWARDS ON MAY 5

SAVANNAH, GA – April 15, 2022 – Historic Savannah Foundation will kick off its monthlong celebration of preservation in May with the annual Historic Preservation Awards at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5 at the Charles H. Morris Center, located at 10 E. Broad St. HSF will present awards to individuals and organizations whose contributions demonstrate excellence in preservation in Savannah and Chatham County. The event – designed to let attendees enjoy a fun, celebratory evening amongst friends – will include cocktails, a food truck, and plenty of networking opportunities. 

Previous Historic Preservation Award winners have included Plant Riverside, the Starland Rehabilitation Project, the Mercer Williams House, and the Ward Mausoleum in Laurel Grove Cemetery, among many others. In addition to the Preservation Awards given out to individuals, organizations and projects, HSF will also present the Nichola Parker Coe Volunteer of the Year Award.

“This will be such an enjoyable, relaxing evening – a classic Savannah night spent celebrating preservation, mingling, and sampling delicious food and drinks. HSF is excited to bring everyone together again to commemorate what makes our city so special,” Events & Development Associate Colleen Reynolds said. “We hope you’ll join us on May 5 for the fun! 

Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Month is co-sponsored by local preservation groups, state historical societies, business and civic organizations across the country. Throughout May, many events are planned to promote historic places for the purpose of instilling national and community pride, promoting heritage tourism, and showing the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. In addition to the awards, HSF is also planning a Realtors’ Historic Preservation Leadership Course and a Wine and Trolley Tour in May.

HSF Preservation Month sponsors include: Corcoran Austin Hill Realty, United Community Bank, Felder & Associates, CS HURD Electrical Contracting, Landmark Preservation, Brooks Construction Group, LLC, Ethos Preservation, Ogeechee Heating & Air Inc, Cabretta Capital, Holton Plumbing, Tharpe Engineering Group, Carroll Construction, K Machine Industrial Services, and Wright Square Bistro.  We thank our In-Kind Sponsors: The Green-Meldrim House, Alpha Graphics Savannah, Lesley Francis PR, Bay Street Cabaret and Savannah Bike Tours.

Tickets to the Preservation Awards are available for purchase by calling 912-233-7787 or visiting https://www.myhsf.org/events/. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or patron for Preservation Month events can call Colleen Reynolds  912-233-7787 or email creynolds@myhsf.org 

Historic Savannah Foundation, a leading nonprofit preservation and cultural institution, saves buildings, places, and stories that define Savannah’s past, present, and future. Following its formation in 1955, the organization started a Revolving Fund to save endangered historic properties, now totaling nearly 410 buildings throughout several of Savannah’s historic districts. HSF continues to build capacity within its operations, secure new financial resources, improve its image and visibility, and increase public policy efforts to protect Savannah’s historic districts. For more information about the work of the Historic Savannah Foundation, visit www.myhsf.org.

-ENDS-

For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

WORLD NO. 95 TOMAS MARTIN ETCHEVERRY HEADLINES MAIN DRAW FIELD AT THE SAVANNAH CHALLENGER PRESENTED BY ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER 

SAVANNAH, GA – April 15, 2022 – The USTA announced that Tomas Martin Etcheverry of La Plata, Argentina, will headline the competitors for the 2022 Savannah Challenger presented by St. Joseph’s/Candler, a USTA Pro Circuit & ATP Challenger 80 event, hosted at The Landings Club, April 25-May 1.

The tournament is the fifth USTA Pro Circuit men’s Challenger event of the 2022 season. It is the last of three consecutive Challenger tournaments held on clay courts to help develop players on the surface leading up to the 2022 French Open. 

Currently No. 95, Etcheverry is the highest-ranked of the 21 men who received direct acceptance into the 32-player main draw. 24 players will compete in the qualifying tournament April 24-25 for six other berths. The local tournament organizers and the USTA will also award wild card entries to complete the field.

Etcheverry broke into Top 200 during the 2021 season and most recently cracked the Top 100 just last week. He has qualified for the 2022 Australian Open, joining Baez and J. Cerundolo as the first Argentine trio under age 23 in a Grand Slam main draw since the 2004 US Open.

Joining Etcheverry in the main draw are former Savannah Challenger champions Bjorn Frantangelo and Tennys Sandgren. Americans Mitchell Kruger, Michael Mmoh, and Jack Sock are also expected to compete. 

The official player acceptance list is subject to change and can be viewed by visiting www.savannahchallenger.com/players. 

Tickets for the tournament are available for purchase on the Savannah Challenger website and through Event Brite. All Landings Club members will receive free grounds admission April 25-May 1, and non-member grounds admission costs $10. For tickets or more information about the Savannah Challenger Tournament including schedule details and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.savannahchallenger.com or call 912-598-3501. 

– ENDS –

For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Allie Robinson at allie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-547-3100, or Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457.

ABOUT THE USTA PRO CIRCUIT:

The USTA Pro Circuit was formed in 1979 to provide players with an opportunity to gain the professional ranking points they need to compete on the major pro tours. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019, it has since grown into the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, consisting of approximately 100 tournaments and offering nearly $3 million in prize money. The USTA Pro Circuit has been a launching pad for many of today’s top pros, including Andy Murray, Naomi Osaka, Maria Sharapova, John Isner, Sloane Stephens, Alexander Zverev, Kei Nishikori, Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Wozniacki, Garbine Muguruza, Nick Kyrgios and Milos Raonic. Follow the USTA Pro Circuit online at https://bit.ly/2Pv9rLQ.

TWO HUNDRED CLUB OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE TO HOLD 2022 POOLER RUN FOR HEROES ON MAY 28

POOLER, GA – April 14, 2022 – The 200 Club is adding a special element to the Coastal Empire’s Memorial Day celebration. During a weekend traditionally affiliated with barbecues, beach trips and three-day getaways, residents will once again have the chance to sneak in a little more fun and fitness for a charity that cares for those who care for us. 

For 14 years, the 200 Club held its annual Savannah Mile Race, a one-mile run/walk fundraiser supporting families of our fallen first responders, on Memorial Day weekend in Savannah’s Historic District. Due to COVID-19 crowd restrictions, the 2020 race was canceled. Last year, in 2021, the Savannah-based nonprofit organization started a new tradition by holding its inaugural Pooler Run for Heroes, with a more spread-out location that allowed attendees to gather and celebrate more safely. 

This year’s 2022 Pooler Run for Heroes will take place on Saturday, May 28. The multi-heat event begins at 8 a.m. on South Rogers Street in Pooler. The one-mile course will begin at the Pooler Parks and Recreation Department, finishing at West Chatham Middle School. All participants are instructed to park at the finish, West Chatham Middle School.

Registration is $25 through May 7 for all participants, including First Responders. The fee increases to $30 on May 8, and $35 on May 22-28. All proceeds from the race will go to assist the 200 Club in fulfilling its mission to assist families of first responders who die or suffer critical injuries in the line of duty. 

To register, please visit our200club.com. Packet pickup will be from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, May 28 at Fleet Feet in Savannah and from 6:30 a.m. through the start of the race on May 27 at The Pooler Parks and Recreation Department on South Rogers Street in Pooler.

Runners and walkers of all fitness levels are invited to participate in the unique event, which will feature four heats for all ages and abilities, including family and age group divisions, followed by a “Memory Walk” for the families of fallen heroes to walk the mile in memory of their loved one. The last run of the morning will be the “Heroes Heat,” which is open to all first responders and military in full gear or not. However, full 30-pound or over gear is required to compete for the “Full Gear All Out Flag!” 

Immediately following the Heroes Heat, attendees can enjoy complimentary food and beverages while viewing the many fascinating public safety vehicles on display. 

“Participating in the Run for Heroes is a great way to log a little extra family time over the holiday weekend while spending the morning outside in this welcoming community of Pooler, helping families who’ve made an enormous sacrifice,” said 200 Club President/CEO Mark Dana. “No matter your abilities, there is something for everyone – from the family fun run, which has runners, walkers, babies in strollers, toddlers, dogs, and older participants – to the Heroes Heat. Best of all, proceeds go to a cause we all care about.”

100% of the proceeds benefit the many family members we honorably serve with significant financial assistance, as well as a fully paid college education.

To learn more about The Two Hundred Club or the Pooler Run for Heroes, please visit our200club.com, call 912-721-4418 or email info@our200Club.com.

– ENDS –

For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or Lesley Francis at lesley@francis.com or 912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377). 

GRAINGER HONDA/NISSAN CAR GIVEAWAY BENEFITTING THE 200 CLUB

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION HOLDING RAFFLE WITH GRAINGER Companies — ONLY 1,000 TICKETS AVAILABLE

SAVANNAH, GA – APRIL 14, 2022 – The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire, in conjunction with car dealership owner Bill Grainger and the Grainger Companies, is raffling off a new car to raise money for the club.

Tickets are now on sale for $100 each and may be purchased at our200club.com. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold until the raffle is held on Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. The winner will get to choose between a 2022 Nissan Rogue or a 2022 Honda CR-V donated by Bill Grainger and the Grainger Companies, who will also fully pay the sales taxes on the vehicle. All the proceeds will benefit the 200 Club, which  provides significant financial support for the surviving spouses and dependents of first responders who have lost their lives or sustain critical injuries in the line of duty. 

The nonprofit organization serves 20 counties within Georgia and South Carolina. Families of fallen first responders suffer tremendous devastation and pay the price for the community’s safety; they may even be left without a reliable source of income. To ease the grieving process and ensure surviving spouses and children have a bit less stress in their lives, the 200 Club recognizes the families’ sacrifices through immediate benefits and financial assistance, often starting only days after a loss occurs. 

The raffle drawing will be conducted at a Sept. 3 cookout for the community held at the Grainger Honda/Nissan dealerships. Food will be provided by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and attendees will enjoy musical entertainment and other activities. The event is free and open to the community.

200 Club President/CEO Mark Dana expressed his gratitude for both Bill Grainger and Sheriff John Wilcher for their support with this endeavor.

“Bill Grainger deserves a huge thank you for his willingness to support the club through the incredibly generous donation of a new car. Also, paying the sales taxes on it so the winner doesn’t have to is almost unheard of in charitable giveaways like this. This is a true act of kindness and compassion for the families we support,” Dana said. “The sheriff’s office has supported us with their resources, helping us spread the word about the raffle, donating food for the cookout, assisting with facilitating everything. We couldn’t do this without our partners.” 

To purchase a raffle ticket, please visit our200club.com. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold, greatly increasing each ticketholder’s opportunity to win. The winner need not be present at the drawing. 100% of proceeds benefits the many family members we honorably serve with significant financial assistance, as well as a fully paid college education.

The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire is a 501(c) (3) organization who “cares for those who care for us” by providing significant financial assistance for surviving spouses and dependents of first responders who have lost their lives or sustained critical injuries in the line of duty. The organization serves a 20-county area within Georgia and South Carolina. All proceeds from this event will directly support the families of fallen heroes. The 200 Club provides significant financial assistance to the surviving family members and provides a fully paid college education – including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and a computer. To date, the organization has given over $3.8 million to families and have become a respected voice of the community’s appreciation for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. For more information, go to our200club.com, call 912-721-4418 or email info@our200Club.com.
 

– ENDS –

For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

ETHOS PRESERVATION COMPLETES MAJOR PROJECTS, CELEBRATES GROWTH WITH NEW HIRES

SAVANNAH, GA – APRIL 13, 2022 – Ethos Preservation is celebrating continued success by announcing the completion of several major projects, ongoing involvement in others, as well as an expansion of their team and services.

Ethos Preservation recently completed a substantial and noteworthy initiative in Thomasville, Georgia, to reimagine the Lapham Patterson House, a National Historic Landmark site. Titled the “LP Future Project,” the initiative paired participatory public art with adaptive reuse visioning, culminating in an adaptive reuse roadmap. The project received an honorable mention at the 2022 Georgia Association of Museums conference. In McDuffie County, Georgia, Ethos recently authored residential design guidelines for downtown Thomson, Georgia, and is completing a master site plan for the historic Rock House built circa 1780 and thought to be the oldest stone residential structure in Georgia.

Major ongoing Ethos projects include the Cultural Resources Survey for the Canal District, Savannah, GA; Integrity Assessment of the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District, Beaufort, SC; a National Register nomination to create a historic district on Butler Island; and a Historic Structure Report for the 1884 Union United Methodist Church in Bulloch County.

Ethos’ recent success has allowed for the addition of two new team members, Kim Campbell and Kiersten Conner. Campbell, whose background includes museum management and historic tax incentive consulting, will serve as a Senior Project Manager for Ethos. Most recently, Campbell served as the Director of Interpretation and Preservation on St. Simons Island for the Coastal Georgia Heritage Society. Conner, whose background is in historic preservation project management, will serve as a Project Manager and Administrative Assistant for Ethos. 

“Kim and Kiersten are great additions to our team. We are excited to be able to expand our historic tax incentive expertise, research abilities, and survey opportunities,” said Ethos co-founder and principal Ellen Harris. “We’re happy to have both on board and look forward to the wonderful opportunities on the horizon for our company.”  

MORE ABOUT ETHOS PRESERVATION

Based in Savannah, Georgia, Ethos Preservation offers a wide range of preservation planning services with a focus on project consulting in historic districts. Rooted in the idea of Preservation with Purpose, principals Ellen Harris and Rebecca Fenwick bring a wealth of public and private historic preservation experience to Ethos, specializing in municipal preservation planning, developer guidance, economic analysis, preservation tax credits, historical research, and community engagement for commercial, residential, institutional, and governmental clients. For more information, visit www.ethospreservation.com, email info@ethospreservation.com or call 912-349-9617.

– ENDS –

For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).