The Marne Community Spouses’ Club capped its record-breaking fundraising year with a recent awards reception at Fort Stewart’s 3rd Infantry Division Museum.
Club President Leigh Payne said the club raised $31,074, all of which is given back locally to deserving students and organizations. The funds were raised at the club’s gift basket auction and golf tournament.
“This is a celebration of the funds that we raised and how those funds are going to be used,” Payne said.
Of the record amount, $16,000 was presented as scholarships.
“Having a college student myself, I know the importance … of any merit based scholarship they can get,” Payne said. “It’s nice to see when your kids work really hard to make good grades and to volunteer and be a good service-minded person, it’s nice to see them rewarded in this way.”
The applications were reviewed by an eight-member panel, Payne said. Grades, standardized test scores and volunteerism were also considered.
Lori Quintas, honorary club president and spouse of 3rd ID commander Maj. Gen. Leopoldo Quintas, praised the hard work of the 500-plus members in raising the funds.
“They give of their time, their energy, their talents, and their hearts,” Quintas said. “Their motto could be ‘putting others first,’ because they do.”
The teamwork was also recognized by Brig. Gen. David Hamilton, the 3rd ID’s deputy commander for support.
“In the military we care a great deal about teamwork, and it’s not about the individual, it’s about the team,” he said.
He is proud of the recipients.
“You’ve already shown that you’ve got great promise and great potential,” Hamilton said. “What we’re showing you is we’re making an investment in you and your future. You’ll continue to make us very, very proud.”
Scholarship Award Recipients
High School
Gregory Anthony, Kennesaw State, $2,000
Landry Eskridge, University of West Virginia, $2,000
Undergraduate
Jamie Rainey, Ohio State University, $2,500
Westley Brooks, University of Alabama, $1,500
Hayden Eskridge, Auburn University, $1,500
Graduate
Bailey Rainey, University of Texas El Paso, $3,000
Hannah Deadorff, George Mason University $2,000
Chanelle Craig Nova Southeastern University, $1,000
Chris Pulliam, Armstrong University, $500
Community Treasure Grants
Boy Scout Troop 527, $1,500
Club Christian Youth Groups of Fort Stewart, $1,500
Eleos Food Pantry, $3,000
First Presbyterian Christian Academy, $650
Home School on the Hill, $1,500
The Mayors Program of Fort Stewart, $1,000
Richmond Hill High School Wildcat Boys Lacrosse, $2,336
YMCA of Richmond Hill, $2,000.