200 CLUB’S BOSTON BUTT FUNDRAISER SUPPORTS
FALLEN HEROES’ FAMILIES AHEAD OF THANKSGIVING

SAVANNAH, GA. – Nov. 4, 2022 – The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire is holding its Thanksgiving Boston Butt fundraiser sale to benefit the families of fallen first responders. These delicious, fully cooked 5-pound Boston Butts are only $40 each and are expertly smoked by the best pit masters in the area. Orders of 20 or more can be delivered upon request. All the proceeds from this event go to support the work of the Two Hundred Club, which has given over $3.8 million to support local families of fallen and critically injured first responders. 

Placed orders will be available for pick-up at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Complex, at 1050 Carl Griffin Dr. in Savannah, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21 and Tuesday, Nov. 22. Pickup in Statesboro is also available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 22 at the Statesboro Fire Department located at 24 West Grady Street.

“This Thanksgiving, we really do have a lot to be thankful for. We are especially grateful to those who fight for and protect our nation and the families of our fallen heroes, who’ve sacrificed and endured so much. We want to thank the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office for cooking and preparing all of the Boston Butts we serve,” 200 Club President and CEO Mark Dana said. “This sale is an event that our supporters look forward to. It’s an easy and delicious way to support the 200 Club, so please join us and purchase a Boston Butt to enjoy over the Thanksgiving holiday.”  

To order a Boston Butt, please visit www.our200club.com/bostonbutts/.  For additional assistance please contact Frances Dana at 912-721-4418 or info@our200club.com.

The 200 Club is a 501(c) (3) organization who “cares for those who care for us” by providing for the surviving spouses and dependents of first responders who have lost their lives or sustain 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 a 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 a fallen first responder’s children and spouse. For more information, go to www.our200club.com, call 912-721-4418 or email info@our200club.com.  All contributions are tax deductible.

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For media inquiries, please contact Allie Robinson at allie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-547-3100 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

200 CLUB OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE ANNOUNCES ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEROES GOLF TOURNAMENT – OCT. 26

SAVANNAH, GA – September 21, 2022 – Dozens of teams will hit the green and tee off early Wednesday, Oct. 26 for the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire’s annual Community Heroes Golf Tournament at The Club at Savannah Harbor, 2 Resort Drive. Many community volunteers have once again committed their time to help ensure the success of the event, which serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization and acts to honor their mission of supporting the families of fallen first responders in 20 counties across The Low Country.

“Each year we are humbled by the amount of support and funds this tournament brings to our organization, but our ultimate goal with events like these is to raise awareness of what we do and raise the necessary funds to support the many families we serve.  To date, the 200 Club has provided nearly $4 million dollars to those families.  Dana said. “We are so grateful to have created this special event that everyone has come to look forward to every year. Without our sponsors, donors and volunteers consistently supporting us and our mission none of this would be possible.”

The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire honors the sacrifice that many first responders make for all of us by providing necessary support to the many families left behind.  As an organization, they proudly and honorably provide significant financial assistance, as well as fully paid college education to the surviving spouse and children of law enforcement officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty while protecting our communities.

The opening ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will include visits from area first responders who will showcase their life-saving equipment. 200 Club President Mark Dana and other supporters will speak before golfers are dismissed to their carts and sent out on the green with a traditional kickoff shotgun blast at 9 a.m. During play, teams will compete for special hole in one prizes, raffles and the always competitive closest to the pin. Teams can enjoy food and drinks at comfort stations along the course and then lunch when play ends. 

A variety of golf tournament sponsorship opportunities are available, including a $300 GPS Hole Sponsorship, $150 Standard Hole Sponsorship, $700 Big Ticket Team, $1,200 Legacy Sponsorship, $2,000 Hero Sponsorship, and $5,000 Valor Sponsorship. A new sponsorship opportunity has been added to this year’s tournament, the $250 200 Club Beneficiary Hole Sponsor. These hole sponsorships will have a special sign that shows teams the college students that the 200 Club is currently supporting.  

For more information or to sign up for the golf tournament, please visit the 200 Club website at www.our200club.com or contact Frances Dana at frances@twohundredclub.org  

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For media inquiries, please contact Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, Allie Robinson at 912-547-3100 or allie@lesleyfrancispr.com, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SAVANNAH POLICE OFFICER HONORED BY VFW, DONATES HER MONETARY AWARD TO 200 CLUB

SAVANNAH, GA – JULY 20, 2022 – Savannah Police Department Corporal Janessa Stalter recently received the prestigious 2022 Public Service Award presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 660.

Stalter graciously accepted the award, which included a generous check. Rather than keep the money, though, Stalter felt it within her heart to donate the funds to the 200 Club, which cares for the family members of fallen first responders. As a first responder herself, the cause is near and dear to Stalter.

Club President & CEO Mark Dana accepted the donation from Stalter, praising her generosity and willingness to help so many in the community which, he pointed out, certainly must have been a critical factor in her selection as the VFW’s most recent Service Award winner. 

“The many family members served by the 200 Club and the organization’s leadership are always amazed by these types of selfless acts that keep the club focused on raising the funds necessary to carry out our core mission,” Dana said. “We thank Corporal Stalter for her compassion and kindness, as do the families of her fallen brothers and sister.”

Stalter has enjoyed a long, successful law-enforcement career. Before that, she was an educator in the Savanah-Chatham County area public and private school systems. She graduated in 1994 from the P.O.S.T. Academy and, in 2000, earned her P.O.S.T. Instructor credentials. In 1994, she began her career with the City of Savannah Police Department and, within three years, she became a corporal. Over the course of her 28-year career, Stalter has spent time as a detective with the Criminal Investigation Bureau, the Tactical Response and Prevention (“TRAP”) Unit, and the Crime Suppression Unit. 

In 2014, along with Officer Meg Whitfield, she started the Tourism Oriented Policing Unit, where she currently works. The unit is assigned to the Northwest Precinct in the downtown historic area. The role of this unit is to maintain safety and address quality-of-life issues for residents, tourists, and businesses. It’s common to find Stalter walking, riding a bicycle or a Segway through the downtown streets, where she shares her knowledge and joy of the City of Savannah while speaking to and assisting those she meets.

In May 2021, Stalter was named the Savannah Police Department’s “Officer of The Month.” When nominated for the honor, it was noted that Stalter is a compassionate advocate for the homeless population. Most homeless individuals know her as “Matilda” and specifically ask for her because they know she will treat them with dignity and respect, as she sincerely listens to them, links them up to helpful resources, or pulls blankets or clothing out of her patrol car for them. Stalter has trained countless officers throughout her career and is always liked by those she instructs, as they appreciate her ethical values, patience, principles, and willingness to lead by example. 

Stalter is an original member of the Georgia VIII, Savannah Chapter, of the Blue Knights police motorcycle club, which she helped to establish. She also enjoys serving as an official for volleyball, basketball, and softball games.  

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.
 

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For media inquiries, please contact Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, Allie Robinson at 912-547-3100 or allie@lesleyfrancispr.com, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

TICKET SALES CONTINUE FOR GRAINGER HONDA/ NISSAN CAR GIVEAWAY BENEFITTING 200 CLUB

SAVANNAH, GA – JULY 7, 2022 – In April, the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire and car dealership owner Bill Grainger and the Grainger Companies announced a car raffle to raise money for the club. Two months later, ticket sales are going strong, and the date of the raffle is drawing closer.

Tickets cost $100 each and may be purchased at our200club.com. Only 1,000 tickets are being sold total, and many have already been claimed. The raffle will be held on Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Sept. 3, during a cookout for the community hosted at the Grainger Honda/Nissan dealerships on Chatham Parkway. The winner, who does not need to be present to win, will get to choose between a 2022 Nissan Rogue or a 2022 Honda CR-V donated by Bill Grainger and the Grainger Companies. Grainger 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 Sept. 3 cookout is free and open to the whole community. Food will be provided by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and attendees will enjoy musical entertainment and other activities.

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

“Please buy a ticket today to support the families we serve – they won’t last long! 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 200 Club’s families,” 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 are being 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.
 

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For media inquiries, please contact Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, Allie Robinson at 912-547-3100 or allie@lesleyfrancispr.com, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

HELP THE FAMILIES OF OUR FALLEN FIRST RESPONDERS BY PURCHASING YOUR JULY 4TH BOSTON BUTT!

SAVANNAH, GA. – JUNE 2, 2022 – The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire is holding its semi-annual Boston Butt fundraiser. Enjoy the south’s best BBQ while helping support the families of fallen first responders. Placed orders will be available for pick-up from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Thursday, June 30 and Friday, July 1, at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Complex, at 1050 Carl Griffin Dr. in Savannah.  Follow the signs to the pickup location. 

 

These delicious, fully cooked 5-pound Boston butts are only $35 and are impeccably smoked by the best pit masters in the area, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff John T. Wilcher. Orders of 20 or more can be delivered upon request. All proceeds from this event directly support the families served by the 200 Club, which has provided over $3.8 million to support 100 families of fallen and critically injured first responders in the 20 counties the 200 Club serves. 

 

“Our Boston butt sale is such a great event that supporters have come to look forward to each year. We are so thankful for the financial support this event provides as we currently have 7 family members in college and you are helping us continue in our mission to provide for our fallen heroes’ families,” said 200 Club President and CEO Mark Dana. “We want to pass along our sincerest appreciation to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff John T. Wilcher for cooking and for hosting our pick-up, just in time for folks to enjoy a Boston butt over the 4th of July holiday.”  

 

To order a Boston Butt, please visit our200club.com or, to pay by cash or check, contact Frances Dana at 912-721-4418 or by emailing frances@twohundredclub.org. All donations are tax-deductible, and 100 percent of the proceeds directly support the communities’ heroes.  

 

The 200 Club is a 501(c) (3) organization who “Cares for Those Who Care for Us” by providing for the 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. The 200 Club provides a significant one-time financial contribution to the surviving family members and provides a fully paid college education – including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and a computer – to a fallen first responder’s children and spouse. To date, the organization has given over $3.8 million to families and has 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.  

 

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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).  

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.

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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.
 

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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).

 200 CLUB OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE TO HOLD FREE COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE IN RICHMOND HILL FEB. 12

SAVANNAH, GA – Feb. 3, 2022 – The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire is partnering with Plantation Lumber and Hardware in Richmond Hill to host an informational community open house Saturday, February 12, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The store is located at 10829 Ford Ave. 

During this free event that is open to the public, hamburgers and Coca-Cola products will be served to guests, who will have the opportunity to learn more about the club’s role in the community. The food is provided by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and the drinks are courtesy of Coca-Cola Bottling. The 200 Club always seeks to raise awareness for its mission and is happy to welcome new members from all surrounding communities. Their membership includes professionals, community leaders, small business owners, homemakers, students, corporate executives, retired and active firefighters, and law enforcement officers — all dedicated to bringing love into the lives of the families of the region’s fallen heroes.

“Our organization serves over 20 counties in the Coastal Empire, and we want to make sure that people in these areas know who we are and what we do,” said Mark Dana, president and CEO of the 200 Club. “Our goal is that people will come out and enjoy some good food, good people, and learn more about the 200 Club’s mission of caring for the families of fallen first responders in our community.” 

The 200 Club is a 501(c) (3) organization who “cares for those who care for us” by providing for the 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. The Two Hundred Club provides a significant one-time financial contribution to the surviving family members and provides a fully paid college education – including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and a computer – to a fallen first responder’s children and spouse. To date, the organization has given over $3.5 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 www.twohundredclub.org, call 912-721-4418 or email info@twohundredclub.org.

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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). 

200 CLUB ANNOUNCES MARK DANA AS ITS FIRST FULL-TIME PRESIDENT AND CEO

SAVANNAH, GA – JANUARY 28, 2022 – The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire is making history as the organization officially announces its first full-time president and CEO, Mark Dana. 

For the past 12 years, Dana has served on a purely voluntary basis as the club’s president, donating his own time and talents to lead the well-known regional nonprofit to record levels of success and recognition. He’s eager to achieve even more as the club’s first full-time employee. To date, the 200 Club has given over $3.5 million to support the families of fallen first responders in a 20-county area of Georgia and South Carolina. 

After a line-of-duty death, the 200 Club provides a one-time financial contribution to the surviving family members and provides a fully paid college education – including tuition, room and board, textbooks and a computer – to a fallen first responder’s children and spouse. Once the club responds to a family, it’s a lifetime commitment. Every year following the loss of a first responder, financial assistance is provided to families for Thanksgiving and Christmas, along with red roses on Mother’s Day.

It’s a cause near and dear to Dana’s heart, as he spent nearly a decade serving in the law-enforcement profession. A career transition brought him into the hospitality industry and prompted a move to Savannah for Dana and his family in 1995. From there, he developed one of the area’s premier hospitality brands, Savannah Lodging LLC, serving as the managing partner. Though work and family kept him busy over the years, Dana always felt strongly about supporting first responders and rallying communities around those willing to give their lives to keep the public safe. The 200 Club’s lead volunteer role was a perfect fit for him.

The club’s board has seen the impact the organization makes in the lives of those it serves, and they know there are still so many others in need of the kind of help they can provide. But to expand the organization and its reach, the board knew a dedicated, full-time president and CEO would be necessary. They had no doubt Dana was the right person to help them reach loftier goals.

200 Club founder Tak Argentinis was delighted by Dana’s acceptance of the job.

“Mark has been a fantastic volunteer president for the 200 Club for 12 years. His commitment, dedication and compassion are exceptional; we couldn’t have asked for a person of better character and integrity to lead this club. He’s always balanced running his company and raising his family with his club responsibilities so well, with unparalleled devotion,” Argentinis said. “We’re proud to offer him the full-time job of running the 200 Club and are confident that he will do so much for so many in his new role. The entire board and I congratulate Mark on his achievements and look forward to continuing our work with him.”

Dana expressed gratitude for the board’s trust in him and is ready to put the club’s plans into action.

“I’m honored to accept the full-time position of president and CEO for the 200 Club and look forward to expanding the organization’s mission to help heal and support as many first responder families as possible,” Dana said. “We’re going to be increasing our regional engagement quite a bit in the next few months and we hope we can rely on added community support as the club moves into this next phase of growth and effectiveness.”

The Two Hundred Club is a 501(c) (3) organization that provides for the 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. To date, the organization has given over $3.5 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 www.twohundredclub.org, call 912-721-4418 or email info@twohundredclub.org

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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). 

THE TWO HUNDRED CLUB TO HONOR SAVANNAH-AREA FIRST RESPONDERS WITH 2022 VALOR AWARDS

SAVANNAH, GA – January 20, 2022 – Two of Savannah’s exceptional first responders will be honored Thursday, Feb. 10, by the Two Hundred Club of the Coastal Empire. While one is a firefighter and the other a police officer, they both heroically risked their lives with no reluctance to keep others safe

During the annual Tak Argentinis Valor Awards ceremony at the Charles H. Morris Center in downtown Savannah, the club and its supporters will recognize Fire Engineer Jeremy Kemp of the Savannah Fire Department and Officer Peter Suppa of the Savannah Police Department.

Kemp was nominated by Fire Chief Derik Minard for his actions during a house fire that was set by a man in the midst of a psychotic episode who then refused to exit the burning structure. While crews worked to extinguish the blaze, Kemp made his way through thick smoke and found a despondent man sitting on a bed, rambling and seemingly confused. 

Despite the unpredictability of the situation, Kemp stayed and eventually convinced the man to leave the room with him. As they crawled through flames and stifling black smoke, though, the man collapsed and Kemp carried him the rest of the way. Once outside, Kemp tended to the medical needs of the  man, who survived.

Suppa was nominated by Police Chief Roy W. Minter for his actions during a March 2021 domestic violence incident in which a child and his grandmother were in danger. A 12-year-old child had called police and reported that he and his grandmother had barricaded themselves in a room because his grandfather was shooting at them and threatening to kill them. Suppa arrives on the scene first and took immediate action, fearing it would be too late if he waited for specialized units to arrive.

He entered the home to find the child and his grandmother peeking out from behind a door riddled with bullet holes. He instructed them to stay in the room as he continued on in search of the suspect. Suppa and another officer who had arrived by then found the man lying in another bedroom and took him into custody. He had a gun under his pillow and a live round in his pocket. Police later learned the man is a convicted felon who previously was incarcerated for shooting his wife. The child and his grandmother were unharmed.

The honorees were selected for the awards by a committee of law enforcement and fire command officers, according to Club President Mark Dana. Nominations were received from the 20 counties that comprise the Two Hundred Club of the Coastal Empire’s support area. The award recipients each will receive a plaque and a medal of valor.

“The 200 Club’s main mission is to support first responders and their families in case of death or critical injuries in the line of duty. Everything we do as an organization is to serve these local heroes who make sacrifices to keep our community safe,” Dana said. “That is why we must recognize first responders who display great acts of valor in the face of danger and put others’ safety before themselves. We hope this award is a symbol of our sincere appreciation for these brave individuals’ service.” 

Tickets to the Valor Awards are $25 and include entry to the awards ceremony and heavy appetizers. To reserve your seat, please visit https://twohundredclub.org/club-events/#.

The Two Hundred Club is a 501(c) (3) organization who “cares for those who care for us” by providing for the 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 Two Hundred Club provides a significant one-time financial contribution to the surviving family members and provides a fully paid college education – including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and a computer – to a fallen first responder’s children and spouse. To date, the organization has given over $3.5 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 www.twohundredclub.org, call 912-721-4418 or email info@twohundredclub.org 

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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).