For the third straight year, members of the Marion County community have united in support of a charitable cause.
Kicking off a season of fundraising, which includes dinner and a silent auction, United Fund of Marion County host the area’s premiere event with the annual gala at Marion First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
It began with a visit from Marion County native and political commentator Armstrong Williams.
This past year Former New York Yankees second baseman and a World Series MVP Bobby Richardson of Sumter reminded the crowd that individuals have an impact in communities.
Richardson, a born-again Christian, is a national leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and inspirational speaker.
For the 300 people that fill the room every year, it’s a rare opportunity to meet a legend. Yankee baseball fans sure took advantage with dozens of baseballs being signed. This year, wrestling fans familiar with a charismatic entertainer who held arguably the world’s most prestigious championship belt, rushed out of their seats just to get a picture with “the man, the myth, the legend.”
Ric Flair’s appearance added “star power” to Marion County, showing that even a small community can have an impact on a figure larger than life in sports entertainment.
“This is a safe, wonderful environment and it meant a great deal to me,” he said to the audience. Flair’s speech highlighted his career and he was honest about his lifestyle skyrocketing to stardom but he was also humble and down to earth in his appreciation for a county he said he could feel the love in.
“People have power in their example,” Richardson said, adding that Marion County United Fund has a “really great team and I appreciate what they are doing for this community.”
A year ago, Marion dentist, the late Dr. Pat Worrell was given a special service award, which was named in his honor when given to individuals for their outreach in the community.
Marion’s longtime Mayor the late Bobby Gerald was the first recipient of the award. Gerald mentioned during last year’s event that Dr. Worrell was a close friend and classmate.
Touching the lives of others is the attribute of the United Fund in Marion County. It’s awesome that notable visitors recognize that in Marion County there are people who truly care.
The United Fund of Marion County raises money to help Marion County agencies care for its citizens by providing services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation for medical needs and traveler’s aid to various county fire departments, among other programs.
Stay tuned for next year’s big event.
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