More than 130 community members gathered at Club Stewart on Oct. 11 to recognize Gary W. Dodd, Hinesville’s humanitarian of the year. The dinner event, hosted by the Kirk Healing Center for the Homeless, also served as a fundraiser for the organization.
Dodd has been an entrepreneur and philanthropist since he moved to the area more than 30 years ago.
He currently is on the Kirk Healing Center for the Homeless board of directors — one of countless board memberships he has fulfilled over the years.
 Dodd has been a supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and recently was named scout of the year.
He also supports local education programs, civic and private development projects, charitable organizations and the Ronald McDonald House.
Dodd, known for his generosity, has provided free iced tea to support several events in and around Hinesville over the years.
He also has donated land for a local church to build on and a residence for the Kirk Healing Center for the Homeless to use.
These and other contributions to the community earned Dodd the humanitarian of the year award at the first Kirk Healing Center honors dinner.
The ceremony included a biographical presentation prepared by KHC board Secretary Judy Shippey, a proclamation by Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas, who doubled as the master of ceremonies for the event, and a presentation on the history and progress of the Kirk Healing Center for the Homeless.
For Dodd, the highlight of the evening was the proclamation presented by former Hinesville Mayors Allen Brown, Buddy Deloach and Tom Ratcliffe, naming Dodd, born in Michigan, an official “Southern Boy.”
Dodd’s friends and associates raised more than $6,000 for the Kirk Healing Center for the Homeless, honoring Dodd by following his example of support for local organizations.
“He is my friend and a friend to all in Hinesville,” KHC CEO and founder Dr. Alicia Kirk said when presenting a commemorative plaque to Dodd.
“We are all blessed to have a man of Gary’s faith, honor, kindness and generosity in our community.”