Good Deeds

Publisher’s Note: Israel Ayettey was away at school in Macon when Hurricane Helene ripped through the CSRA. Here is his guest column on the spirit of our neighbors called “The Indomitable Spirit of Humankind.” The wind howled through Augusta that night, rattling windows and uprooting trees like weeds in a garden. It was a night that we, the residents of Augusta, will never forget as long as we live.  When the sun rose, so did our sorrows as we looked around at the destruction left behind. I’ll never forget seeing

A foundation started by one of Augusta’s historic businesses is continuing to support leadership for non-profit organizations. The J. B. White Foundation, collaborating with the Community Foundation of the CSRA (CFCSRA), has launched the 2026 Capacity Building Cohort. This is the third year the initiative has brought together leaders from nonprofit organizations, particularly those that are small and new or emerging, to strengthen effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term community impact. “We accept 10 nonprofit leaders into it every year, and they spend the year with us doing professional development through trainings

Thanks to $150,000 and with Walton Way as the backdrop—AU is starting to look whole again. “I remember when the hurricane came across our community, it reshaped the campus landscape, and for many of us, it was something that we could not have imagined or even planned for,” said Dr. Russell Keen, President of AU. “But today is not a story about loss. Today is a story about hope and renewal in a community that was hit by a storm but didn’t stay down. A community that came together, rose

A local organization celebrated its 30th anniversary by distributing $735,000 in grants to 59 area nonprofit, educational, arts, and historical groups. The Community Foundation of the CSRA (CFCSRA) grants will support groups in Richmond, Columbia, Burke, and McDuffie counties in Georgia and Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina. “The Community Foundation really exists so that we can give back,” Shell Berry, President and CEO, explained for ABD. “It is a community endowment that’s been contributed to, most significantly by the Masters Tournament for 29 of those 30 years. And

Just before Christmas, a $30,000 check appeared under Golden Harvest Food Bank’s tree to help fight hunger in a big way in 2026. GHFB is one of 100 non-profits to receive a total of $5 million this holiday season. Over the next five years, Bank of America will be committing $250M over the next five years to support food insecurity across American communities. Employees of Bank of America plan to volunteer more than 100,000 hours between now and the end of the year to assist organizations focused on hunger relief

Stores like Bass Pro, Belk in Evans and North Augusta, all of the Food Lions and Walmarts in Augusta, Evans, Martinez, and North Augusta, and at Hobby Lobby in Augusta and North Augusta, and Augusta Mall are helping The Salvation Army of Augusta’s 2025 Red Kettle Campaign to reach its goal before bell ringing concludes on Christmas Eve. The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser of the year, providing critical funding that sustains programs and services throughout the year. Every donation made—whether at a physical Red Kettle or online—stays

When we think of a random act of kindness over the holidays, usually images of a free coffee or an angel tree gift is carried out. SRP Federal Credit Union gave an average of $5000 gift to 23 charities just in time for the holidays. ABD has inquired into which charity received what amount of money. In the spirit of the season and in keeping with the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, SRP Federal Credit Union is proud to announce that its Board of Directors has approved a

Every holiday season, there’s a special kind of magic that fills our community — one made of laughter, wonder, and togetherness. But for many families who have children with sensory sensitivities or special needs, that magic can sometimes feel out of reach. The lights are too bright. The music is too loud. The lines are too long. That’s why, since 2017, we’ve opened the doors of Flack Family Chiropractic each holiday season for one of our most meaningful traditions: Sensory Santa — a free, heart-centered event designed to bring joy,

2023 Spherion Franchisee of the Year Angela Swarts (in red) was happy to provide a difference to Aaron Hudson in the form of a $5,000 scholarship to help him at the Augusta Technical College and his transition to Augusta University. The Sandy Mazur Scholarship celebrates leadership, excellence, and the next generation of community leaders. “Sandy Mazur was the former President of Spherion Staffing LLC, my franchisor,” said Swarts, an Augusta franchisee since 1995.  “The owner community created the Sandy Mazur Leadership Scholarship in honor of her when she retired.  Every year, the

A local nonprofit organization that partners with companies helping individuals face life’s challenges is focusing on a new goal. The Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Augusta was packed full of business and community leaders as the United Way of the CSRA (UWCSRA) held its annual campaign kickoff. In years past, it included the announcement of the campaigns’ monetary goal. Not this year. “What we will announce is that our goal is to help 30,000 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families by the year 2030,” explained Brittany Burnett,

As a result of an employee-led fundraising campaign, SRP Federal Credit Union presented a ceremonial check of over $7,700 to the Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia this week. SRP team members, La’Kisha Johnson and Charmaine Finch, organized the campaign, which spanned bake sales, PTO drawings, food truck fundraisers, and more. The fundraiser concluded with a total of $7,730.74 raised for the Children’s Hospital, as well as 62 SRP teddy bears donated for children receiving care. Kelsey McCullough, Miracle Network Philanthropy Coordinator for the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, expressed gratitude for

The REALTORS® of Greater Augusta (RGA), in partnership with Harlem Housing Authority, invite residents to a free Community Care Day. This event demonstrates the RGA’s commitment to being good neighbors and supporting the well-being of the CSRA. All community members are welcome to attend on Saturday, June 28th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Harlem Housing Authority, located at 129 Blanchard Avenue in Harlem. Attendees will have the opportunity to pick up a variety of free household supplies, including: General Household Goods Non-Perishable Food Clothing Self-Care Items   This

With just over a week left in June, The Salvation Army of Augusta is making a final push to collect boxed fans and bottled water through its partnership with local restaurant Tacocat. These donations provide relief to those most vulnerable to the summer heat, especially seniors and individuals struggling with the high cost of air conditioning. “Summers in Augusta aren’t just uncomfortable—they can be life-threatening, especially for seniors and individuals unable to afford the high cost of running their air conditioners,” said Major Jonathan Raymer of The Salvation Army of

Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), the liquid waste contractor at the Savannah River Site (SRS), raised $10,113 for Children’s Place Inc., a local United Way agency, at the recent annual Celebrity Waiter Night fundraiser. SRMC employees and managers volunteered at Electric Eats in downtown Aiken, working as “celebrity waiters,” where they served guests in exchange for donations for the non-profit agency. On top of the $4,113 raised at the event, SRMC contributed $5,000, and DBD, Inc. donated $1,000 to the cause. All money raised helps fund Children’s Place, which operates

Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) has made two significant donations to schools this month. The first was a $10,000 gift to Paine College, a Historically Black College in Augusta, Ga. The donation is to enhance and support Paine College science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs by providing scholarships for talented students pursuing degrees in those disciplines. SRMC President and Program Manager, Dr. Dave Olson, values a strong education with an emphasis on STEM-related curricula. “We believe that education is a cornerstone of progress, and investing in STEM initiatives is

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recently presented a $20,000 donation to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Aiken County at the non-profit’s 20th annual fundraising gala. Over the years, SRNS has given over $240,000 to CAC in support of their mission to provide intervention, treatment, and prevention services that promote healing for Aiken County children who have experienced abuse. The annual gala raises funds to cover the organization’s operational costs. Kent Williams, Director of the Radiological Protection Department at SRNS, recently completed a six-year tenure as CAC treasurer. “I’m proud to be

Demolition has begun on an abandoned warehouse near the Augusta Fairgrounds. The Salvation Army of Augusta wants to build a new Center of Hope on the tract that city records say is 3.32 acres. Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander for The Salvation Army, told ABD the site was chosen for a few reasons. First, some of their partner agencies are in that general area. “It’s also right near the Sheriff’s Office, right out there, which is good. We have to get shelter clearance cards in order for people to stay

For the fifth consecutive Masters tournament, the Wheels Up team flew into Augusta to help the Golden Harvest Food Bank, before flying in golf fans to visit the Augusta National Golf Course. Last Wednesday, Wheels Up joined the food bank in service at The Master’s Table soup kitchen and also volunteered at the Food Bank’s new Produce Rescue Center, packing and sorting produce. Meals Up was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to address food insecurity, and the company will be donating meals again this year to support the local community

As of yesterday, you can now eat, drink, and donate at Dave and Buster’s in Augusta. A Goodwill donation truck will be parked daily at the 807 Cabela Drive location from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM. This new donation center marks an expansion of Goodwill’s reach in the CSRA. Donations, including clothing and household items, will directly support Goodwill’s mission to help individuals in the community achieve greater financial independence through job skill training, career coaching, and education. Through this partnership, Goodwill will continue to offer access to affordable education

Cookie lovers everywhere look forward to a bright spot as winter begins to wind down in February: The return of Girl Scout cookies. A portion of the money raised through the sale of cookies pays the bakery company that produces the products. The majority of the funds remain within the originating council. Each council determines how the funds are used, including supporting local camps, community projects and helping girls in underserved areas participate. However, the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce’s February Women in Business luncheon demonstrated how participating in Girl

Wife Saver Restaurant on North Leg Road can save you a night of cooking but they are also saving donations for those in need at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope. The Fresh Start Donation Drive is a month-long effort that aims to ensure individuals and families experiencing homelessness have access to basic hygiene items necessary for maintaining health and dignity. Items needed include shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, razors, lotion, and soap. “Access to basic hygiene products is critical for both health and self-confidence, especially for our clients who are working and

This month, not only can you eat at Fat Man’s Café, but you can also drop off donations. The Salvation Army of Augusta has partnered with the restaurant for its January Donation Drive, aimed at collecting cleaning products to support The Center of Hope. Throughout January, community members can drop off cleaning products such as laundry detergent, sanitizing sprays, wipes, dish detergent, and paper towels at Fat Man’s Cafe (1450 Greene Street) or any Salvation Army location, including The Center of Hope, The Kroc Center, and Family Stores in South

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation just awarded a $10,000 disaster relief grant to an organization that stepped up in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction of the CSRA. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, The Salvation Army of Augusta prepared and served over 5,000 hot meals to storm victims, offering critical support during one of our region’s most challenging times. The faith-based organization will use the funds specifically to support The Center of Hope Soup Kitchen, where The Salvation Army of Augusta is currently serving an average of 80 residents

The Community Foundation for the CSRA has entered the second phase of its Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund granting process. Since the storm’s aftermath, the Foundation has granted $2,803,500 to nonprofits that have worked on the front lines providing critical services and administering aid. The second phase of granting will continue to fund 20 counties, in both Georgia and South Carolina, that were impacted by Hurricane Helene.  During round two, the Foundation will expand its granting parameters to include not just 501(c)3 nonprofits, but also churches, civic organizations, and schools

Publishers Note: The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene will have a lasting impact due to rebuilding efforts—including replanting of trees. Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate included the below information in their company newsletter. This event is open to businesses and the entire community. Rooting For Augusta: Restoring Augusta’s Tree Canopy Hurricane Helene left a lasting mark on the CSRA, taking with it many of the trees that gave our area beauty and charm. Now, we have the opportunity to come together as a community to restore what was lost. Jordan

Austen Heider’s ultimate goal is to become a flight paramedic and one day hold a position overseeing EMS at the county, state, or even national level. Heider is an Aiken Technical College alumnus. Currently, he has the opportunity to travel and provide paramedicine at various locations nationwide. He also acts as an adjunct EMT instructor at the college. “EMS is my passion. It’s not a career aimed at wealth or recognition but one motivated by the desire to serve others and the community. I believe it is crucial for individuals

More than 30 local service organizations and nonprofit agencies received a financial boost, thanks to a commitment made by then-University Hospital, now Piedmont Augusta. The groups will share in the $1.9 million total contribution announced on Nov. 21. It fulfills an agreement made by the University Health Care System (UHCS) to become an affiliate of Piedmont. UHCS committed to providing $2 million each year for 10 years to support nonprofit organizations that match the Community Health Needs Assessment and Implementation Strategy for Piedmont’s Augusta Hub. “In many ways, University Health

The Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund is growing due to generous donations from across the county. Created on Sept. 27 by the Community Foundation for the CSRA (CFCSRA), it got an Oct. 3 cash infusion of a $5 million contribution from the Augusta National Golf Club and the Foundation. “But since then, we now have foundations out of Atlanta that are giving to it. We have individuals who have contributed to that fund from over 40 states,” Rebecca Wallace, Vice President of Programs for CFCSRA, told ABD. A Friday news

Contact: Jeff Mason, VP of Sales Phone: (706) 724-1488 Website: Kamo Facilities and Solutions Location: 1326 Reynolds St, Augusta, GA 30901 If you have lived or worked around Augusta for any amount of time, you are familiar with the friendly folks at Kamo Facilities and Solutions. A staple in downtown Augusta since 1947, Kamo Facilities and Solutions has served the needs of CSRA businesses and beyond for their custodial needs. Jeff Mason, VP of Sales, says, “Although we are a local distributor, we offer more than just cleaning products and equipment.

The United Way of the CSRA giving campaign has been underway for almost a month, and area businesses are imagining unique ways to support the umbrella of organizations that benefit from their volunteer and fundraising efforts. This week, Club Car made a substantial donation of $114,000. During the check presentation, Robert McElreath, Vice President of Connectivity of Club Car said, “Club Car Global Headquarters, Main Manufacturing Plant, and Distribution Operations are all located in the CSRA and we are excited to give back and support the community that gives so

The United Way of the CSRA (UWCSRA) rallied supporters and volunteers during a Friday breakfast event kicking off the 2024 campaign. The goal for the new campaign is $2.4 million. Brittany Burnett, President and CEO of UWCSRA, told ABD the money will support existing programs, along with expanding. “We’ve actually recently expanded our footprint into Screven County, so we’re going to cover some of the folks there. We’re going to increase our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which helps hardworking families get their taxes done at no charge. And then,

AT&T and Compudopt recently partnered to provide laptops and other school supplies to students in need through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, RISE Augusta, and the Harris Literacy Center at Augusta University. The distribution of 400 refurbished laptops and backpacks stuffed with school supplies to distribute to Augusta students in need. This distribution included 400 refurbished laptops is part of an AT&T employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and equip students with laptops and backpacks as they head back to school. In addition to supplies like notebooks, pencils, and

Last weekend’s grand opening of Salvation Army of Augusta’s family store paved the way for 860 nights of shelter at their Center of Hope, including food, clothing, supplies, and casework. The store is located on the far-left endcap unit at 4099 Riverwatch Parkway in the same shopping center as a large Hobby store. There have been several furniture and bedding stores in that space over the years. “We are deeply grateful for the incredible support from our community during the grand opening,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander. “The overwhelming

The company slogan is “Nothing runs like a Deere” and the Red Cross couldn’t run their humanitarian response without the support of businesses and individuals. As the volunteer partner for the Red Cross “Sound the Alarm” campaign, more than 30 John Deere employees volunteered their time to go door to door recently with Red Crossers and the Augusta Fire Department installing free smoke alarms and providing fire safety education to families in the Harrisburg Community. “It was truly inspiring working with such dedicated John Deere employees visiting homes, installing smoke

Goodwill Administrative Offices 3145 Washington Road Augusta, Georgia www.goodwillworks.org 706-650-5760 For over a century, Goodwill has stood as a beacon of hope, transforming donations into pathways for meaningful careers and prosperous lives. Our journey, rooted in compassion and a drive for societal progress, began in Boston in 1902. Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a visionary Methodist Minister, laid the foundation of Goodwill with a simple yet powerful belief: every individual deserves the chance to unlock their potential and thrive through dedication, education, and initiative. From collecting household items to establishing trade

Editor’s note: I was the Development Director for 5 years at a homeless shelter. During that time, we helped hundreds of men and women with food, clothing, and employment opportunities. Not once did anyone prefer to be homeless, they all wanted to become productive members of the community. It’s a dirty subject that some might like swept under a rug, but homelessness is a reality in Augusta and cities on both sides of the river. The face of the homeless population isn’t what you might think. Yes, there are homeless

As the CSRA welcomes thousands of visitors from across the country for horse events this month in Aiken and guests on both sides of the river for the Masters tournament in a couple of weeks, it’s time to shine. The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is looking for some helping hands to create a clean, welcoming entrance to the CSRA. The economic impact of these events is well over a quarter of a million dollars. It’s also inevitable as ABD has previously reported that some of the visitors

Augustans are known as generous people, but perhaps, our volatile economy caused a downturn in giving in 2023. The agency received donations totaling just over $2.2 million through the workplace campaign. That is 12% shy of the goal of $2.5 million announced last August. The United Way of the CSRA (UWCSRA) shared these campaign results at its annual meeting on March 5. The highlight of this annual event is to acknowledge and thank the businesses and individuals responsible for the successes. The Campaign Champion Awards were presented to Savannah River

Mark your calendar for the Downtown Get Down event sponsored by Downtown Soul City. It’s a fundraising event taking place from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Savannah River Brewing Co. in Augusta on Thursday, March 21st, 2024. Local merchant association Downtown Soul City (DSC) invites the public to join them to celebrate their community achievements, learn about future initiatives and events, and have a funky good time. The non-profit association will be hosting a fundraising party featuring a theme of “The James Brown Era” and attendees are encouraged to

A CSRA organization whose mission is to support non-profit groups to fund their ongoing work announced grant awards to dozens of programs during a ceremony on Friday. “It is an endowed fund primarily contributed to by the Masters Tournament,” explained Community Foundation President and CEO, Shell Berry. “Each year, we go through a process starting in the mid-summer. Over 120 applications were made to the Community Foundation. Today we are going to award 46 organizations up to $15,000 each for a total of over $638,000.” Berry said the applicants cover

The rooms at Best Western, 452 Park West Drive in Grovetown, and Baymont by Wyndham Augusta Riverwatch, 2905 Riverwest Drive are not pet friendly, but the staff at both hotels are pet lovers and they are hoping guests will be also. Kim Gibbons is the sales and marketing manager for both properties. Her own cat, Owen, served as the inspiration for what became a community service project for the hotels in 2008 and ran through 2014. Now it’s back. “Originally, the program benefitted the CSRA Humane Society. Over the years,

Thanks to MoSH PiT Eats, Trendz Salon, and Dye’s Southern Catering, 50 families will be well-fed this Thanksgiving. It all started with a friendship between the owner of Trendz Salon, Robyn Kelley, and the owner of MoSH PiT Eats on Old Evans Road. Robyn and her team love the food that Jason and Amber Parrish serve up and they eat there often. Robyn is a member of Stevens Creek Church, which has the Augusta Dream Center as part of its campus in South Augusta. The Augusta Dream Center serves those

Patients being treated at the Georgia Cancer Center (GCC) at Augusta University have new members on their team, and they know all about working as a team. Student-athletes at Augusta University launched the “Here to Win” campaign during a recent news conference. The campaign will bring awareness to cancer prevention and early detection, while also raising funds to support research projects at GCC. Ryan Erlacher, athletic director at Augusta University, said Jaguar athletics has long partnered with GCC for cancer awareness games. However, they looked for a way to advance

Heroes don’t always wear capes, sometimes they wear a business suit, a military uniform, or firefighter’s gear. The American Red Cross of East Central GA recognized local heroes for their acts of courage, compassion, and community impact during the 2023 Red Cross Heroes Awards presented earlier this week. This annual event honors community members who demonstrate heroism through extraordinary acts of courage and humanitarian service and embody the spirit and mission of the American Red Cross to help alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. “It is truly moving

More than 10,000 of our neighbors in Augusta suffer from sickle cell anemia. Both Richmond County and the state of Georgia are at the top of the heap across the country for a relentless disease. The answer for now is a blood donation, preferably from families who are struggling with sickle cell, but all donations matter. 100 Black Men of Augusta is comprised of educators, counselors, and other business leaders throughout Augusta. The members of the organization mentor, provide leadership development, offer scholarships, and focus on the needs of health

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Augusta Aviation proudly announces the dedication of its aircraft 80842 to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Throughout the entire month of September, Augusta Aviation is committed to supporting this cause that holds a special place in their hearts. To contribute to the fight against childhood cancer, all proceeds from t-shirt purchases made during September will be donated, as well as a portion of all flight revenue from sunset tours, aerial tours, and flight training. Childhood cancer remains a significant concern in our society,

What’s a little mud to a Marine? Not much. You don’t have to be a Marine to run and get muddy. The 2023 Marine Mud Challenge, presented by Grunt Style, is coming up this weekend. The competitive and non-competitive challenging 4-mile, off-road course offers more than 30 obstacles, a stream crossing, hills, and lots of mud! The competitive categories are reserved for athletes legitimately in it to win it, who can run the entire course and complete every obstacle. Competitive runners will register individually. Every runner will be timed using

For the first time in nearly two decades, the AFM Give Me Wings Polo Match at La Bourgogne Club de Polo will bring high-goal, professional polo back to the Aiken area with a $30,000 prize. In a county sporting some of the oldest polo history in the U.S., this match is not to be missed. Usually, 20+ goal polo is reserved for venues like Wellington, Fla., home of the U.S. Open. The match will be held at La Bourgogne Club de Polo located at 1150 Coleman Bridge Rd, Wagener, S.C.

Each year, the Augusta GreenJackets partner with a local non-profit organization to collect school supplies for less fortunate students throughout the CSRA. Next Sunday, July 23, the baseball club is asking fans to donate supplies for United Way of the CSRA’s annual Stuff the Bus campaign at its game against the Fredericksburg Nationals, which will begin at 1:35 p.m. “We probably collect a few hundred different supplies for them,” said the club’s Director of Marketing, Catie Jagodzinski. “It’s just a great program to be a part of, and we’re happy

Father’s Day is coming up in less than a week. You still have time to make your mark in honor of your dad. A few years ago, Lionel Smith Ltd. started a promotion that honors dads and gives back to the community. The initiative is a perfect fit for a clothier and tailors in business since 1976. Tailor’s chalk is used to make temporary markings on a suit as it’s being fitted. This time, a different type of chalk is being used to mark a memory of your dad. When you

Chris Hudson worked in a grocery store while attending college and understands the financial burdens many students face. Hudson owns the Chris Hudson Law Group, an Augusta practice that specializes in various types of personal injury cases, including accidents, workers’ compensation, and product liability. Since 2021, the Chris Hudson Foundation has provided need-based scholarships to students living in Columbia, Richmond, and Burke Counties. Each year, two students are selected to receive one-time awards of $2,500 each. “We choose two deserving, smart, motivated but underprivileged high school seniors to help with

About 20 local female homebuilders and home services professionals have collaborated to build and donate playhouses to CSRA non-profit organizations. Yesterday, the Augusta Chapter of Professional Women in Building held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the donation of its first playhouse to the Family Y Child Development Academy, located at 1425 Walton Way, next door to the Peabody Apartments. The playhouse is 4 feet high and 8 feet wide. “Right now, we’re working on two more,” said Builders Association of Metro Augusta Executive Officer, Tiffany Heitzman. Those playhouses will be

As a downtown restaurant owner, Ramiro Galvan wants to attract people throughout the CSRA to his eatery on Walton Way, which is why he was excited to participate in a creative project that allows him to build connections with potential customers in a unique way. Galvan, owner of The Munchies Lab, is one of nearly 30 local business owners featured in the new Downtown Augusta Coloring Book, a fundraiser created by a non-profit organization called Beautify Augusta that will use the proceeds from the book’s sales to fund new murals

Reading books is the only out-of-school activity for 16-year-olds that is linked to getting a managerial or professional job in later life. There are plenty of studies to back up that assessment, but a love for reading starts much sooner than the teen years by having books to read in the first place. Bank of America held a book drive in March in recognition of National Reading Month. Through their branches in Aiken, North Augusta, Evans, and Augusta, they donated 339 books to RISE Augusta, just in time for the

Tomorrow, about 30 CSRA businesses and non-profit organizations will serve as vendors for a local outdoor children’s event, and there’s still time for your business to participate. CSRA Kids, an online guide that provides resources and information about children’s activities, will host the second annual SummerFest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lions Memorial Field located at 619 West Buena Vista Ave. in North Augusta. So far, vendors for the free event include AR Workshop North Augusta, Premier Martial Arts, Tutor Doctor of Evans, and Bearded Chef. Its sponsors

Ever since Corry D’Alessandro launched her home-based dessert business last summer, the New Jersey native has looked for ways to give back to the local community, which is why she has volunteered to provide treats for people in their final days, weeks, and months of life. Next week, D’Alessandro, owner of Mother Truckin Eatz, will begin providing cupcakes to patients receiving care from Affinis Hospice, a non-profit organization that serves terminally ill patients in various parts of the state, including Augusta. “I was just trying to find a way to

It’s one thing to lose a business, but quite another when devastating family health issues weigh in on the emotional, mental, and physical aspects that have developed recently for Stay. Social Tap + Table owner, Renee Hajek. The local community has rallied around Hajek and her family who are grappling with serious financial and health issues. She owned Stay. Social Tap + Table in Evans until December, when the restaurant closed its doors after she lost her license to serve alcohol. Just as Hajek was selling items from Stay, such

There are no green jackets involved in the 2nd annual Birdies for Boobies golf tournament but for the breast cancer survivors who benefit from the money raised, it’s a crowning achievement, literally. The tournament is hosted by the Boobie Queen Company, a nonprofit founded by cancer survivor, Whitney O’Connor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer six weeks after getting married and just a week before her 30th birthday.  She wore a crown made of a decorated bra during a breast cancer fundraising walk which inspired the Boobie Queen brand. Now,

SRP Federal Credit Union was recently part of the local Board of Education meetings to present checks for money donated to each district as part of the High School Affinity School Debit Card Program last year. The Aiken County Public School district in Aiken, SC was awarded a check totaling $204,966.45, with nine schools participating in the program. The Columbia County School System in Evans, GA was also presented a check in the amount of $38,097.70, with five participating schools. The Affinity School Debit Card Program began in 2018 to

Many CSRA business leaders look forward to Masters Week because it gives them a chance to watch golf, go on vacation, or take some much-needed time off from work, but for Golden Harvest Food Bank, hunger never takes a vacation. On Thursday, a team from Wheels Up, a New York-based private aviation firm, volunteered to prepare and serve meals at The Master’s Table Soup Kitchen & Urban Farm located at 702 Fenwick St. The Master’s Table serves hot meals to local residents 365 days a year. Click on this link

ATC Development, which owns and operates various apartment communities throughout the CSRA, recently hosted a blood drive for a non-profit donation center, according to Faith Meador. Meador, the company’s marketing coordinator, said they held the drive last Thursday and collected 15-20 donations in five hours. “We are partnering with The Blood Connection to host more blood drives at our other properties this year as well and our average community houses 200-300 people,” she said. The Blood Connection, which opened its Augusta center located at 3156 Perimeter Parkway last year, supplies

Last year, attorneys and law firms throughout the state raised more than $880,000, the equivalent of about 3.5 million meals, to feed hungry Georgia families. Of that, local legal organizations raised a little over $33,000, which allowed Golden Harvest Food Bank to provide 99,000 of those meals, thanks in large part to five CSRA firms. In this area, the top fundraisers for the 2022 Georgia Legal Food Frenzy were the Durham Bray Law Firm, P.C.; CSRA Bench; Fulcher Hagler, LLP; The Law Offices of Nathan M. Jolles, P.C.; and Kilpatrick

Dealing with trauma can be a major challenge for children, but a local IT firm has donated $2,500 to a non-profit organization that serves these victims and their families. IntelliSystems made the donation to Children’s Place Inc., which provides counseling and other services to families in five South Carolina counties: Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, and McCormick. The company’s donation will be used for the nonprofit’s Guardian Angel program, which provides clothing, classroom supplies, and other items for the children it serves. Each December, Children’s Place takes kids on a shopping

Ken Lucas estimates his Columbia County automotive repair business performs $20,000 to $30,000 in free vehicle repairs each year. But the company recently helped one of its own team members who’s dealing with a family tragedy. Lucas owns the Evans location of Christian Brothers Automotive at 4481 Washington Road in Evans. The Christian-based company has more than 250 locations nationwide. One of his employees, Ernie Randall, lost his 13-year-old granddaughter, Julia Chavez, last Monday, Feb. 13. Chavez, a Harlem Middle School student, died of leukemia. “We have a foundation in

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Today and every day leading up to the holiday earmarked for sweethearts has been super busy. But owner, Tom Williams and staff stopped long enough to present a donation that is indicative of their love for the community. Last week, Floyd & Green Fine Jewelers donated a check for almost $13,000 to local charities. The money was raised in November during the 22nd annual Weekend of Giving Back, in which customers designate the charity of their choice to receive 10 percent of their purchase. “I always

You have one week to find the perfect Valentine for your employees or your special someone. Sure, you can go with traditional roses or a heart-shaped box of chocolates. There’s nothing wrong with that. But chocolates melt and roses wilt, how about a love song delivered by guys in tuxedos? Now, that’s amore and creates an unforgettable memory! Whether it’s personal or professional, those who help your business succeed and those you love, deserve a little extra attention on February 14, otherwise known as St. Valentine’s Day. The Garden City

Last night at the Georgia Cancer Center, a major milestone was met. Since Paceline’s inception in 2018, more than $1 million and 100% of donations by Augusta area companies and citizens have gone to the GCC for innovative cancer research. There are many, many more miles to go with future PaceDays, Paceline’s signature annual Fall Event, which saw more than 400 people ride bikes, raise money, and raise awareness in 2022. KAMO is one of the area’s leaders in providing healthy and clean workspaces in the CSRA. The company has

Cliff Jennings never performed on stage with Mark Wahlberg, but for one night only, the local business leader will be a member of Marky Mark and the Movement Bunch to raise funds for a CSRA non-profit organization. Jennings, Branch Manager of Movement Mortgage in Augusta, is participating in the sixth annual Fake It to Make It lip sync challenge, a fundraiser for SafeHomes of Augusta, which serves domestic violence victims and their children. The event, which will feature seven teams, will be held Friday at the Columbia County Performing Arts

A local restaurant is hosting a golf tournament to raise funds for two non-profit organizations. TBonz Steakhouse, which has locations in both Augusta and Evans, will host the Tommy-Fry Classic Par 3 Tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 7 beginning at 12 noon at Forest Hills Golf Club. The restaurant’s goal is to raise $25,000, according to its co-owner, Henry Scheer. “That’s not realistic, but we’re never realistic around here,” Scheer said. “We just aim for the sky, and whatever we get is good.” Those nonprofits which will benefit from the tournament

Some companies reward positive work performance with a pizza party. But an Augusta-based staffing company recently gave one of its employees a brand-new car. On Wednesday, Jan. 4, Sizemore, Inc.’s President and CEO, Preston Sizemore delivered a 2023 Kia Rio to Maria Juilia Rodriguez, a housekeeping supervisor with the company’s Fulfillment Center in Tampa. Rodriguez has worked for the company since Jan. 2022, according to Joey Warren, Sizemore’s senior corporate communications coordinator. “It was open to all non-administrative employees companywide,” Warren said. “We announced the contest in June.” At that

Jack and Judi Poole understand the value of education, which is why the North Augusta business owners have established a $25,000 endowment at Aiken Technical College to provide scholarships for its students. The college will decide how the money will be distributed to its students, and the couple plans to donate $25,000 annually to the endowment. The Pooles own Vampire Penguin, a dessert shop located at 507 Georgia Ave., Suite A that sells shaved snow treats in a variety of flavors. They bought the franchise a little over a year

Christ Community Health provides medical services for uninsured and underinsured patients, and many of these patients don’t have reliable transportation. But a donation from a locally managed IT company will help them get the care they need. IntelliSystems, which offers its clients a variety of services, including cybersecurity, IT consulting and telecommunications, has donated $2,500 to Christ Community Health, a local non-profit organization, to provide transportation for its patients. “We are honored to facilitate transportation for people who desperately need medical and dental care, but are challenged by transportation reliability

Those serving our country in the military sometimes need a helping hand around the holidays. Two local organizations recently teamed up to provide some of that help for service members at Fort Gordon. Golden Harvest Food Bank helps to feed families facing food insecurity in 25 counties throughout the CSRA. The nonprofit has partnered with another local organization, the Fort Gordon Christmas House, to provide food for active-duty military servicemembers and their families. ABD previously ran a story about two local businesses, Elevate Auto Lab and Riley’s Paint + Body

Many in the CSRA have always had plenty of food and warm winter coats, but this week, two local business professionals are helping those in our community who haven’t been so fortunate. Local Certified Public Accountant, Josue Garcia, and certified financial planner, Kurt Mueller with Atomic City Smokers, a competition barbecue team that also provides catering services, will host a free lunch for the community on Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Garcia’s office located at 705 Edgefield Road in North Augusta. All it takes to enjoy the

On Saturday, Santa Claus came a little earlier than usual for many local children from underprivileged families, thanks to help from the CSRA business community. The Augusta Regional Airport and Richmond County Marshal’s Office hosted the fifth annual Santa’s Fly-In to provide toys for 136 kids from 40 families. “We partner with Augusta Partnership for Children, Inc. and work with local businesses and individuals,” said the airport’s Assistant Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Lauren Smith. “This is our biggest year yet, and we hope to continue growing.” Business sponsors

Burt Sappenfield and Larry Miller established Operation Handwarmer to support U.S. troops stationed overseas. On Tuesday, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners proclaimed today as Operation Handwarmer Day. Each year, Sappenfield, owner of Majestic Floor Care, LLC, and Miller, owner of CENTURY 21 Larry Miller Realty, collect a variety of items, including hand warmers, gloves, bath towels, and protein bars, which are delivered to soldiers in 72 countries worldwide. Sappenfield said over the years, the charity has collected more than 150,000 items. Today, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., donations

The Community Foundation for the CSRA has announced that more than $616,000 will be awarded to local non-profit organizations, thanks to help from individual donors and community partners, such as the Masters Tournament. But there are numerous opportunities for businesses to provide funding for nonprofits, according to Shell Berry. Berry, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, said she would love to find businesses willing to fund organizations that didn’t receive money from the Community Grants Fund this year. “We’d love for more to participate; all the organizations have been

While many kids spend much of their free time playing video games, a local 9-year-old is raising funds for cancer research, thanks to help from local businesses. Last year, Asher Fairey, a third grader at Lewiston Elementary School in Evans, organized the Little Hearts for Cures 5K & Fun Run, which raised about $5,000 for Curing Kids Cancer, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization, according to his mom and local real estate agent, Ehrin. This year’s race will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, 9-noon at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. The 5K will

Burt Sappenfield has never served in the military, but every year, he helps to warm the hands and hearts of U.S. servicemembers all over the world. In 2009, Sappenfield, owner of Majestic Floor Care, established the Operation Handwarmer initiative, which has collected more than 150,000 items, including not only hand warmers but also toothpaste, nuts, protein bars, candy, and gloves, to ship to U.S. Army troops stationed overseas. “We work with chaplains, and they take them to the troops,” he said. Unlike other charities, Operation Handwarmer doesn’t accept monetary donations

Next week, people across the CSRA will gather with family and friends for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. With the rising cost of groceries, some families can’t afford a turkey, but a group of local restaurants is teaming up to help these families enjoy a holiday meal. Ramiro Galvan, who owns Taqueria El Rey on Washington Road in Martinez, La Cocina Del Rey on Lewiston Road in Grovetown, and The Munchies Lab on Walton Way in Augusta, said all three restaurants will host turkey giveaways Monday beginning at 11 a.m. Galvan,

This year, many CSRA families have struggled to put food on the table, let alone buy Christmas presents. But a local law group wants to help. Through its annual Hawk Group Helps initiative, the Hawk Law Group will provide financial support for five families to cover various types of expenses, including gifts, groceries, and bills. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 2, and selected families will receive their gifts between Dec. 17 and Dec. 21. “Many families struggle to make ends meet, and there just isn’t anything left for

Future business students at Augusta University have some additional scholarship opportunities, thanks to a donation from two former students and long-time business owners. Local entrepreneurs, Brad and Paige Usry recently donated $100,000 to support student scholarships at AU’s James M. Hull College of Business. “First of all, we are thankful that we have the resources that we can do this,” said Brad Usry, a third-generation business owner who earned his business management degree in 1982 from Augusta College, a legacy school of Augusta University. “Secondly, Augusta University is such a

While it may be the off-season for baseball, SRP Park is holding a fun competition to raise funds for a worthy cause. The stadium will host the Beans & Brews Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, Nov. 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will raise money for The RECing Crew, a non-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities enjoy various athletic and leisure activities, such as baseball, basketball, karate, and bowling. In June 2021, the City of North Augusta passed a resolution to allow the organization to build a

Taylor BMW is one of many local businesses that sponsor the annual James Brown Turkey Giveaway, which the Hardest Working Man in Show Business began, close to 30 years ago. “The reason we continue to support the James Brown Turkey Giveaway is simple: It is a tradition in our community started years ago by James Brown, and I didn’t want to see it end with his passing,” said the dealership’s General Manager, Edward Luckey. “I really believe we have to give back to the community where we live, work, and

CSRA schools have a bit more cash on hand – a total of $1 million – thanks to SRP Federal Credit Union’s Affinity Debit Card program. SRP announced recently that it reached $1 million in giving back to participating area high schools. That includes 22 South Carolina schools and eight in Georgia. In the program, SRP members use debit cards linked to the school of their choice. Every time a purchase is made using the card, SRP donates money to that particular school. Schools then use the funds for purchasing

Sarah Bunjevac is excited about having her business featured in a local coloring book. Bunjevac owns Halo Salon & Spa located at 1122 Broad St., one of 26 businesses, most of which are in downtown Augusta, that will be featured in the book. The book, which is being created by a local nonprofit called Beautify Augusta to fund the restoration of downtown murals, will feature business owners and their storefronts, as well as business and contact information. “I am happy that Halo is part of the new downtown coloring book,”

Some children in the Augusta area will soon be connected to the world, thanks to two Connected Learning Centers inside the HUB for Community Innovation. The centers will provide internet access and education tools for those who face connectivity barriers. The Connectivity Centers are part of a $2 billion national campaign by AT&T from 2021-23 to address internet accessibility and affordability. It is a collaboration with the Augusta Boys & Girls Club, Augusta University Literacy Center, and Rise Augusta. “Connectivity is the foundation of a thriving community, and AT&T’s investment

Rebecca van Loenen shops at ALDI, which has been out of chicken for weeks. But Augusta Locally Grown (AGL) has always had plenty of chicken and other staples in stock. Van Loenen serves as Executive Director of the non-profit organization, which is now located in the HUB for Community Innovation at 631 Chafee Ave. in downtown Augusta. ALG, which was founded in 2008, partners with local farmers to provide food to the local community. “We offer farmers’ markets in food deserts,” van Loenen said. Food deserts are areas, such as

Each year, a local non-profit organization hosts book fairs that provide thousands of free books to children in high-need schools, thanks to help from local businesses. RISE Augusta, one of five nonprofits housed in the new HUB for Community Innovation located at 631 Chafee Ave. in downtown Augusta, receives book donations from several bookstores, such as The Book Tavern and 2nd & Charles, according to its Executive Director, Laurie Cook. “A lot of kids don’t have books at home,” Cook said. She said RISE primarily focuses on improving literacy skills

Addison Niday has found a colorful way to promote CSRA businesses and preserve history at the same time. Niday, a local muralist, has been busy restoring old, faded murals on business buildings, primarily in downtown Augusta. He pays for these restorations, which can cost up to $1,000 each, out of his own pocket. Niday only asks business owners to donate money for paint, but many don’t. “This is a passion project; it’s my love letter to Augusta,” Niday said. He refers to himself as a soda enthusiast, so many of

Starting next week, Augusta area residents can help fight childhood cancer and earn a little “sweet gold” in return. Augusta area Dunkin’ customers can make a $2 donation to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to support those battling childhood cancer. The promotion runs Sept. 14-28 in honor of September being National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In return for the donations, customers will receive a Gold Joy Donut – a donut ring featuring gold icing topped with a Munchkins donut hole treat. The gold icing pays homage to Childhood Cancer

Jeremy Rueggeberg has found a creative way to help businesses in downtown Augusta. Rueggeberg, the co-founder of Beautify Augusta and former publisher of Medical Professionals Augusta magazine, has developed the idea for a downtown coloring book project and is currently looking for businesses interested in participating. Beautify Augusta is a non-profit organization devoted to funding public mural projects in that part of town, such as its recent restoration of the Pink Slips building on Jones Street. The idea is to use the murals to draw more people to downtown Augusta.

A local single mother is back on the road, thanks to help from a CSRA paint and body shop. Kendrick Paint & Body has partnered with the National Auto Body Council and GEICO to give Carla Paschal a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan, an SUV with less than 25,000 miles, according to its Operations and Marketing Specialist, Carson McLaughlin. McLaughlin said the car was donated by GEICO as part of the NABC’s Recycled Rides program, which partners with body shops across the United States to repair cars and provide them to those

For the first time in three years, United Way of the CSRA held an in-person campaign kickoff event this past Friday. Part of the event included the United Way’s annual Project Serve day. This year’s goal is to raise $2.4 million to help meet the continued demands of the CSRA. Last year, United Way of the CSRA used the funds to help support 38 programs at 25 different non-profits throughout the CSRA that impacted more than 253,000 people. “Our community needs United Way, our strong partnerships, and ability to mobilize

Many local teachers are already back at work preparing for a new school year. But a local paint and body shop wants to help one lucky teacher get the classroom supplies he or she needs. Kendrick Paint & Body is giving teachers from all CSRA schools the chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card simply by texting their name and school name to 706-724-4071. A valid teacher ID is required to win. The giveaway began Monday, and all entries must be received by Sunday, August 7 at 11:59 p.m.

Food at The Master’s Table downtown will be cooked a little faster and a bit better, thanks to a donation from Recteq. The grill manufacturer located in Evans recently donated a new RT-1250 Wood Pellet Grill to Golden Harvest Food Bank to be used at their downtown facility that serves meals to those in need. The grill, valued at $1,600, will allow The Master’s Table to prepare large quantities of hot food. “At The Master’s Table, we serve around 200 meals each day, and cooking that amount of meat on

When local schools start in less than a month, students will have the supplies they need, thanks to a CSRA nonprofit and its business partners. This month, the United Way of the CSRA will hold its annual Stuff the Bus campaign, sponsored by several companies, including SRP Federal Credit Union, Solvay Specialty Polymers, and WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone. “Our goal is to maximize student learning this year and every year, and we’re proud to step in once again to help families in need,” said United Way President and CEO,

A behind-the-scenes need that many people often remain unaware of will be the target of a charitable cause in July. Jonathan English State Farm will sponsor its second annual Stuff the Bus event on Saturday, July 16 at the Walmart Super Center in Evans, starting at 9 a.m. The event will collect book bags and supplies for Columbia County middle school and high school students. English said people often think of the needs of elementary students but don’t realize that older students often face needs for school supplies as well.

In the courtroom, prosecutors and defense attorneys usually have different goals. But local legal organizations recently teamed up to raise more than $33,000 to help Golden Harvest Food Bank provide 99,127 meals for hungry children this summer. These organizations, including the district attorney’s office for the Augusta Judicial Circuit; Durham Bray Law Firm, P.C.; Fulcher Hagler LLP; Richmond County Civil and Magistrate Court; and Attorney Nathan Jolles collected donations for the 11th annual Georgia Legal Food Frenzy fundraising competition April 18-29. “The local bench is committed to supporting the community

A few years ago, Lionel Smith Ltd. started a promotion that honors dads and gives back to the community. Between June 1 leading up to Father’s Day on June 19, you can come by the longtime men’s clothing store, grab a piece of chalk and honor your dad on the sidewalk in front of the store at 132 Laurens Street. “For every handprint drawn or Dad’s name written in chalk, we’ll donate $5 to Children’s Place, whose mission is to protect, heal and strengthen children and families from the impact

Erik Smith of Grovetown and Secelia Brown of Evans are the local winners of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Man and Woman of the Year contest. Smith raised $46,469 and Brown $135,097 to support LLS’ goal to find cures for blood cancers. “Congratulations to our winners, and to all of our candidates and campaign team members who participated in this year’s Man & Woman of the Year campaign,” said Amanda, Yancey, LLS Georgia–South Carolina Executive Director. “These exceptional volunteers are all unstoppable leaders in their communities. Together, we are

KAMO Facility Solutions & Supplies is celebrating its 75th anniversary by giving back to the local community. Last year, the company developed its KAMO Gives initiative, but it has supported CSRA non-profit organizations for many years, according to Allie Bentley. Bentley, KAMO’s Marketing Director, said the business, which sells and services janitorial equipment, has partnered with many organizations, such as the United Way of the CSRA and Paceline, a nonprofit that hosts an annual bike ride to raise funds for Augusta University’s Georgia Cancer Center. In 2021, KAMO’s staff participated

With help from Showpony, local artist Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman is one step closer to his goal of raising $100,000 to restore and repaint the water tower on the JB Whites Building. Showpony, a promotional products business and sister company of Wier / Stewart, has relaunched its “We Give a Shirt” Campaign to support Zimmerman and Project Happy Water. The company has released limited-edition T-shirts in either yellow or light blue. Project Happy Water Vice President, Pierce Legeion said they have raised $14,000. The non-profit hosted Happy Water, its kickoff fundraiser,

You’ve probably never thought donating your old couch or shoes you no longer wear could help someone in financial distress. But at Attic Treasures, it can. Since opening in 2008, the Harlem thrift store has given away more than $1 million to the local community. To celebrate this achievement, the business located at 575 West Milledgeville Road, will host a customer appreciation event on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event is open to the public. Attic Treasures will provide hot dogs, chips, and drinks.

A CSRA nonprofit that supports cancer patients has a new name, but its mission hasn’t changed. As of April 29, The Lydia Project is now Cancer Support Services, thanks to Powerserve, a local advertising agency that helped with the rebranding effort free of charge. The Lydia Project was founded in 2004 to provide female cancer patients with hope and encouragement by distributing free tote bags created by volunteers, which contain a journal and other items. Patients also have the option to receive supportive cards, emails, or phone calls monthly for

Three local charities will be able to fulfill their missions a little bit better, thanks to donations from the Merchants Association of Columbia County. The Merchants Association will make check presentations to The Bridge Ministry of the CSRA and Hope Women’s Center at 6:30 p.m. on April 26, and Child Enrichment at 2:30 p.m. on April 30. The donations are made from the proceeds of two fairs, the Merchants Association hosts. Their Spring Fair 2022 takes place April 23-May 1. Child Enrichment creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve

The staff of the SRP Federal Credit Union Branch in Barnwell, S.C., decided they wanted to do something special for the disabled and elderly in their rural community for Easter. To do so, their team visited the local Barnwell Pruitt Health Residential Facility with a small gift for each of the approximately 45 residents. The SRP team members visited the residents on Wednesday to deliver Bunny Boxes filled with plush chicks or bunnies, a toothbrush, hand sanitizer, facial tissues, hand cream, chocolate eggs, and a chocolate bunny. Some of the

Thanks to a large donation from the Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta Technical College plans to build a new automotive training center later this year in the Laney Walker neighborhood. The center will offer 16 automotive certificate programs to more than 1,200 students each year, making it the largest training center of its kind in the region. “The launch of this training program will prepare a quality workforce for readily available jobs here in Augusta,” said Augusta National Chairman, Fred Ridley. “This contribution reflects our commitment to promoting opportunities for

Thanks to sponsors like Bank of America, First Tee-Augusta can train the next generation of business leaders. The bank sponsored the inaugural Play it Forward Golf Clinic on April 3 at First Tee located at 3165 Damascus Road in Augusta. Players from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur tournament and other female professional golfers shared golf tips and life lessons with 35 kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta. One of the professional golfers who participated in the clinic was Suzy Whaley, the first female president of the

With help from local businesses and the Augusta community, Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman wants to improve the appearance of the skyline overlooking downtown Augusta. Zimmerman, a local artist, founded the nonprofit Project Happy Water to raise $100,000 that will be used to restore and paint his Happy Robot logo on the water tower on top of the JB Whites Building located at 936 Broad St. The nonprofit held a kickoff fundraiser called High Water on Thursday, March 24, which raised $11,000. The event, attended by 225 people, included an art auction

A week before the legendary golf tournament descends on Augusta, there’s another tournament that raises funds to support two local nonprofits. The 26th annual Triple Crown Golf Classic will be held on Monday, March 28 at Woodside Country Club in Aiken. Proceeds from the private event will be split between Helping Hands and Tri-Development Center of Aiken County, Inc. Helping Hands provides services for abused, neglected, and abandoned children, while Tri-Development serves adults with a variety of disabilities, such as brain injuries and autism. Heather Waddell, Executive Director of Tri-Development

When you hear the name Golden Harvest Food Bank, you may think of food donations, volunteers, and feeding hungry families, but Amy Breitmann and the Board of Directors want the brand to reflect the organization’s mission both now and in the future. Breitmann, Golden Harvest’s President and CEO, unveiled the nonprofit’s new brand on Tuesday, March 15 in its Augusta warehouse located at 3310 Commerce Drive. She and her team worked with Wier / Stewart, a local advertising and marketing firm, to develop the rebranding campaign. Wier / Stewart created

It’s not every day a Dungeons & Dragons tournament raises money for charity, but a group of local players came together on Saturday, March 12 to enjoy the fantasy role-playing game and support a worthy cause at the same time. Cardboard Castle Games, located at 672 Mullins Colony Drive next to Belk in Evans, hosted the all-day tournament to support Child Enrichment Inc., a local nonprofit. The store, which sells a variety of board and table-top games, also donated a portion of its sales and sold raffle tickets for $5

Every 180 seconds, somebody in the United States dies of blood cancer. And in today’s times of uncertainty, patients need support more than ever. The Georgia-South Carolina Region of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has announced the 11 candidates who will be running in Augusta’s 2022 Man & Woman of the Year campaign – a philanthropic competition to fight blood cancer among a group of motivated and dedicated individuals in communities across the United States. The funds raised through Man & Woman of the Year are used for research,

A doctor giving patients his personal cell phone number may sound a little too far-fetched, but it’s something the late Dr. Fred Mullins did all the time. Jeremy Rueggeberg decided to honor the renowned burn surgeon’s legacy by donating $5,000 to the Burn Foundation of America on behalf of his business. Rueggeberg, publisher of Medical Professionals Augusta, a magazine devoted to sharing stories about top medical professionals in the CSRA, presented the check to the Foundation on March 2. Mullins, who served as Medical Director of the Joseph M. Still

Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta face numerous struggles, but employees with Loop Recruiting found a way to provide those families with a little hope and encouragement. Donald King, one of the technical staffing company’s partners, said Loop employees are required to give back to the community. King, who leads nine employees on the contingent staffing team, came up with the idea to complete a monthly community service project throughout 2022. Each month, an employee on the team chooses a local nonprofit to serve, and all

If you are heading to the Aiken Junior Woman’s Club Masquerade Gala this weekend, you’re in for an evening of masks, music, food, and fun, but the real highlight of the event is the purpose…Scholarships of Hope. The Masquerade Gala is Saturday, Feb. 19, 7-11 p.m. at the Big Red Barn in Aiken. More than 14 companies have lined up to support the event, including Heycon Construction, Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, G&S Computing, and the Cline Group of Meybohm Real Estate. For Kurt Mueller, Wealth Management Advisor with Apollon,

Between COVID-19 and rising food prices, the demand for Golden Harvest Food Bank’s services has skyrocketed. Bank of America has donated $25,000 to Golden Harvest, which will cover the cost of more than 75,000 meals (like these pictured above) to feed hungry families throughout Augusta’s River Region. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the bank has donated a total of $131,000 to the nonprofit. “As the pandemic continues to impact Augusta, food banks and hunger relief organizations are experiencing increased demand and higher costs to meet the needs of

Your company can help make the 2022 Prom a special day for CSRA teen girls. In today’s video minute, ABD Publisher Neil Gordon shares which companies are helping out on “Cinderella Day” and how your company can make a difference.

If you look forward to ordering boxes of Thin Mints and Samoas every year, you’re not alone. Several CSRA businesses have offered to give local Girl Scouts the opportunity to sell cookies in their parking lots (see photo above story). Savannah Park, a State Farm Insurance agent in Columbia County, will allow them to set up tables outside her office, located at 3961 Columbia Road in Martinez, next to Mot’s Pit Cooked Barbecue. She can be reached at 706-863-3555. “I was a Girl Scout when I was younger,” Park said.

The Augusta Regional Airport is inviting members of the local community to get some exercise while also supporting a worthy cause. The airport – located at 1501 Aviation Way – will host the Run the Runway 5K (see photo above story) on Saturday, March 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and all proceeds will go to ForcesUnited. Registration is $30 for teens and adults, $25 for children 8-12, and free for children 7 and under. Founded in 2007 as the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project, ForcesUnited connects veterans to

A partnership between two local companies is providing equine therapy for senior citizens in the CSRA. Steven Gay – owner and President of Augusta Aviation, Inc. is providing horses for residents of Thrive at Augusta (see photo above story). Thrive, an assisted living facility located at 313 Furys Ferry Road in Martinez, began the therapy program in November. “I am proud to be able to offer this program to the residents at Thrive at Augusta,” says Gay, who needed help caring for the horses. “It’s a joy to see residents

For many high school girls, the prom is an exciting event, but not everyone can afford to go. A local event provides everything teen girls need to enjoy the evening in style. Cinderella Day (see photo above story) is a free event hosted by the Augusta Dream Center – a nonprofit that provides a variety of services for those in need in the CSRA. The fifth annual Cinderella Day will be held on Saturday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center located at 3364 Peach Orchard

To celebrate its second anniversary, a local business services company is giving its followers the chance to win a gift bag valued at over $100 (see photo above story). Richardson Professional Solutions, LLC provides a variety of professional services for its clients, such as project management, bookkeeping, and marketing. “We love giving back to the community, and we’re passionate about small business,” says Amy Richardson, the company’s President and Founder. “We also wanted to celebrate with our followers our milestone of reaching two years in business.” The gift bag will

The recent death of actress Betty White (see photo above story) has touched many worldwide, but a local business has found a way to honor her memory. South Aiken Physical Therapy and Wellness – located at 943 Pine Log Road next to Staples – began accepting pet food donations on Monday, Jan. 17 – White’s birthday. The actress, who would have celebrated her 100th birthday, was also a well-known animal lover. The business will continue to accept donations until Friday, Jan. 21, and all donations will go to Friends of

ABD’s been reporting on the good that the Community Foundation of the CSRA’s been doing, in partnership with business owners who want to give back to good causes in the CSRA. In today’s video business minute, Publisher Neil Gordon says a local business owner just wrote a big check!

College is a major financial burden for many students, but a local credit union wants to help ease that burden for some CSRA college students. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Peach State Federal Credit Union has pledged to donate $60,000 to Paine College over the next five years. The college plans to use the donation to fund student scholarships. With the help of matching grants from various sources, including the Methodist Foundation and the Paine College Foundation, the donation has the potential to grow to $240,000 (see photo above), according

Bank of America is going to continue its mission and flow of money in 2022 to support economic mobility and broader community vitality in Augusta and Aiken. In 2021, Bank of America donated $814,000 to 21 local non-profits. “We engage with the community to support and drive social progress like racial equality,” said Ora Parish, Bank of America President, Augusta/Aiken. As an example, B of A contributed $125,000 in 2021, and many services to the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, which includes all minority business owners and women as

A local charitable organization has received a $3.7 million grant that will help to feed the hungry in the CSRA. Golden Harvest Food Bank is one of eight food banks throughout Georgia that has received a Department of Community Affairs Grant, which will be administered locally by the Augusta Economic Development Authority. The grant was funded by the CARES Act – a law that was passed in response to the pandemic. Golden Harvest will use the funds to cover 75% of the construction costs for a two-story, 30,000-square-foot building on

Employees of SRP Federal Credit Union have been active in supporting local charities in various ways throughout the month of December. They filled 66 stockings for The Salvation Army’s Stuff a Stocking campaign and supported the charitable organization’s Angel Tree program by donating gifts for 39 children, while 16 employees volunteered as bell ringers for this year’s Red Kettle campaign. Workers also helped The Salvation Army of Aiken distribute stockings and gifts. In addition, they filled containers of toys for The Augusta Chronicle’s annual Empty Stocking Fund campaign. The credit

For the past 18 months, many local hospital employees have faced unimaginable stress dealing with the pandemic. SRP Federal Credit Union has helped by providing meals to more than 1,000 of these employees through its Random Acts of Kindness program. From Friday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 19, the credit union provided either meals or gift cards to workers at some CSRA hospitals, including University Hospital and Aiken Regional Medical Centers. At University Hospital in Augusta, SRP provided 1,000 meal tickets for employees, while at Aiken Regional, 160 night and

A pair of ABD members – Walker Chiropractic and WAFJ really stepped up to make a families’ holiday a special one in light of their loss in 2021. Cameras were rolling when the big reveal happened. The gift of hope, that also involved a fun center in Martinez. Click Here to View.

A major engineering and construction firm has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America Georgia-Carolina Council to help young men and women earn one of three STEM-based merit badges. Five engineers from the Bechtel Corporation, which has completed large-scale construction projects at both the Savannah River Site and Plant Vogtle, worked with the Scouts to earn badges in Electricity, Engineering, or Space Exploration on Saturday, Dec. 11. “It is truly exciting to have over 45 Scouts work with the engineers from Bechtel to provide our Scouts with world-class learning opportunities

In the last few months, a local bank and SRS contractor donated $40,000 to feed the hungry in the Augusta area. $30,000 from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions will provide 60,000 meals for children, seniors and families in need. Queensborough National Bank & Trust, which has multiple branches throughout the CSRA, presented a $10,000 check to Golden Harvest Food Bank. The bank has also partnered with the nonprofit for more than 10 years by distributing over 100,000 pounds of food to needy families. The bank hosts Golden Harvest Mobile Markets in

A local printing company has donated $2,500 to a charity that raises funds for cancer research in the CSRA. Phoenix Printing Group made the donation to Paceline – a local organization that donates all funds it raises to the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University. Phoenix is one of Paceline’s many corporate partners, which also include Georgia Power, Synovus Bank, and Bristol Myers Squibb. “They’re very much a part of our mission, which is to cure cancer faster,” says Martyn Jones, the organization’s president. “They’re critical in maintaining our support

ABD is big on good deeds in our area by CSRA companies! Apparently, “Tis the Season” to share the joy and blessings area companies have received in 2021. ABD Publisher Neil Gordon has more in his “VLOG”.

While many look forward to feasting on turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, Henry Scheer enjoys serving others on Thanksgiving. Scheer – co-owner of Tbonz Steakhouse – has served Thanksgiving dinners to needy families and children (see above photo courtesy News 12) in his restaurant for many years. But this year, he and his staff plan to do something a little different for the holiday: They will serve traditional Thanksgiving carryout meals for CSRA first responders. “We learned a lot of the police and firemen working that day don’t really

Many in the CSRA face significant financial burdens, and Christmas shopping only compounds those burdens, but a local law firm wants to help. Hawk Law Group is currently accepting applications for its second annual Hawk Helps program. The firm will select five families to help this holiday season. “Things are difficult enough for families experiencing difficult times, but it’s more difficult during the holidays,” says Reid Sanders, one of the firm’s partners. “We started Hawk Helps to bring some Christmas joy to local families who are struggling.” Hawk Law Group

Editor’s Note: Dr. Rick Franza, the Dean of the AU Hull College of Business School just returned from a conference in the Tampa, Florida area. Hull is accredited through the Association of Advancement of Colleges and Schools of Business (AACSB) and in 2020 the AACSB updated its standards related to the responsibility a member school has to serve their communities. ABD: Rick, what areas does the AACSB look at for schools like Hull to engage within the community? Rick: Here are the suggested areas that each school will pick from

Veterans Day is personal to State Farm Insurance Agent BJ Jordan and he wants to talk about over a free cup of coffee. The agent’s grandfather served in the Army, was a Vietnam Vet and retired as Master Sgt. Jordan’s State Farm office is on Columbia Road in Grovetown and he and his team will travel to nearby Harlem to give free coffee to the veterans who start coming in after 6am. “Our veterans have risked so much and have given up time with their loved ones to serve their

Dr. Chris Walker wants to make this Christmas season a little brighter for some less fortunate families in the CSRA. Walker – owner of Walker Chiropractic in Augusta, is participating in a promotion called Christmas Blessing with the Christian non-profit radio station 88.3 WAFJ to help at least four families overcome their greatest financial needs, such as buying presents or paying past-due bills. The promotion asks people to nominate local families in need by filling out a brief application on the WAFJ website. The application deadline is Sunday, Nov. 14

Because of its efforts to provide equitable health care for uninsured and underserved patients in the CSRA, Christ Community Health has received a $50,000 grant. Christ Community has been named this year’s Bank of America Neighborhood Champion. The nonprofit, which operates two clinics in downtown Augusta, will also receive virtual training on a variety of leadership topics, such as storytelling and human capital management. “We’re grateful for Bank of America’s many years of generous support for Christ Community,” says Don Branum, the organization’s chief executive officer. “This grant means more

The Augusta Handmade Fair is back and bigger than ever this year. The indoor/outdoor fair – sponsored by several local businesses, such as Augusta Candle Company, New Moon Café, and Little Guide Augusta, will be held Friday, Nov. 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 6 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Redemption Church located in the Doris Building at 930 Broad St. It will feature a total of 77 local and regional vendors selling a variety of handmade items, including jewelry, pottery, food, and art,

While many business professionals would love to volunteer, they often find it difficult to add even one more activity to their ever-growing to-do lists. Three local business leaders shared how their organizations promote volunteerism at an event called Faces of Community Philanthropy on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at the Enterprise Mill Events Center. The panel discussion was part of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Women in Business Program. The panelists for the event were: Marissa Smith, Senior Vice President and Market Executive for Bank of America Augusta-Aiken, Jason Cuevas,

Bank of America has invested $100,000 in a new short-term job training initiative developed by Augusta Technical College to address the local labor shortage. The initiative is called FAST, which stands for Focused, Accelerated Skills Training. The college’s Corporate and Community Education Department will use the funding to cover the cost of three certification programs: Manufacturing Fundamentals Bootcamp, forklift and OSHA training, and medical scribe skills. It will also allow Augusta Tech to partner with local employers and WorkSource Georgia to provide job placement opportunities for graduates of these programs,

Brandon Dial understands the unique challenges that come with raising a special needs child, so he wanted to find a way to raise funds and show support for local families of children with special needs. With financial support from local businesses and sponsors, such as South State Bank, Dial – owner of an Augusta Law firm and father of five, created a golf clinic for special needs children between the ages of 8 and 18 called the All-Star Kids Clinic. He and his wife, Maura, have a 2-year-old son named

The Jessye Norman School of the Arts used the concept of the TV show, “Shark Tank” to develop its J-Tank business competition, but it wasn’t exactly like the show. On Saturday, Sept. 18, nine local families pitched their business ideas to a panel of five judges, which was mostly comprised of faculty members from Augusta University’s James M. Hull College of Business. They included Dr. Rick Franza, the College’s Dean, Dr. Cathy Slade, Professor of Management and Dr. Dinesh Hasija, Assistant Professor of Management. Unlike the show, “It wasn’t really

Each fall, several local businesses come together to sponsor a very worthy cause, and your business can still register to participate. Core event partners for the annual CSRA Walk for Water, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2 starting at 9 AM at SRP Park include Chick-fil-A, Summer House Realty, Be Still Displays, The Family Y and the Augusta GreenJackets. Many local businesses are also sponsoring the event, such as Stone Roastery, Alison South Marketing Group, and Pelican’s Snoballs. The walk raises funds to support Water Mission, a Christian

Robyn Kelley says God has called her to serve others, which is why she holds an annual fundraiser that’s donated more than $100,000 to families of sick and injured children. This year will be during another pandemic. The effort and results will still be the same. For more than 10 years, Kelley – owner of Trendz Salon located at 3670 Riverwatch Parkway in Martinez – has held a fundraiser called a cut-a-thon to raise money for these families. (Photo from above is from first event that helped the Asselin family)

Jordan Pierce, the First Community Bank Market President will try and help lead the United Way efforts for their 2021 fund-raising campaign. In 2020, donations were down to $2,190,000—about half of funding received from many years in the past. Some of that is attributed to Covid-19. Below is a video Pierce presented to showcase some of the various services the United Way provided during the pandemic and the importance of giving. Here are a list of just 10 of the companies that provided corporate contributions in 2020 as a firm

You’ll have about a week to get in your application to promote your business at a downtown expo for a good cause. This fall, with help from several local businesses, a downtown fair will give the community the opportunity to shop for handmade goods and support a worthy cause. The Augusta Handmade Fair – a semiannual fundraiser coordinated by Redemption Church located at 930 Broad St. – will be held Friday, Nov. 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at the

Students in Columbia and Richmond Counties head back to class on Thursday, Aug. 5. That means families across the CSRA are hitting local stores to buy school supplies, which may not be affordable for all parents and students. Several local businesses have stepped up to sponsor back-to-school events to collect and give away school supplies to needy families. Here’s a list of some of those events. The Hawk Law Group and Alison South Marketing will host the second annual Fit 4 School event on Saturday, July 31 from 10 a.m.

If you have ever seen Air Force One, sitting on the tarmac or flashing by overhead, you’ve felt the awe and pride evoked by this elegant symbol of American pride and power. Aiken businessman and master detailer Chris Williams (pictured above with pride) says it happens to him every time he is privileged to “climb” aboard – being overwhelmed with a feeling of reverence for what the plane symbolizes and the beauty in flight that flashes around the world. Aeronautical veterans say they climb aboard whenever they walk up the

Jessye Norman School of the Arts students and their families along with other CSRA families are eligible to apply. Provided by Jessie Norman School of the Arts If you’ve ever watched “Shark Tank”, you’re familiar with the show’s concept: Budding entrepreneurs pitch their product ideas to a panel of extremely wealthy judges in hopes of convincing them to invest in those ideas. Some competitors land lucrative deals, while others leave with nothing. The Jessye Norman School of the Arts in downtown Augusta has modeled this concept by creating its own

Reynold Borseth, president of the Merchants Association of Columbia County, presented a $150,000 check to Betts Murdison with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta. They’re pictured here with other local business leaders (Photo courtesy of Steve Johnston). Last year, the Merchants Association of Columbia County presented a check for $50,000 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta. Yesterday, they have tripled that donation. The local Ronald McDonald House – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to help families of children with serious illnesses – just received a check for

This sign marks the site of the future 24,000 square foot Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care. (Photo by Josh Heath) A generous donation by the Knox Foundation of four acres of land on Washington Road worth close to $1 million is helping to turn the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care’s goal of constructing a new 24,000 square foot facility into a reality, according to Jennifer Pennington, the center’s executive director. “With this new center, we’ll be able to help more families facing this terrible disease,” says