Editor,

The Board of Directors of Seven Ministries of Liberty County would like to thank the community for their help and support of The Jackie Gilliard-Henderson Memorial Scholarship Walk-A-Thon.

A large turnout was expected and a large crowd participated in this communitywide event for a very worthy cause. As president/CEO and as a citizen of Liberty County I would like to personally thank the following for their support: Sheriff Steve Sikes, State Solicitor Jeff Osteen and Clerk of Superior Court Barry Wilkes for serving as co-grand marshals.

Thanks to Midway Mayor Clemontine Washington and Riceboro Mayor Bill Austin. Whenever I need a helping hand Bill and “Clem” are always there. Thanks to my pastor the Rev. S.L. Thorne and the First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church family, and to my cousin the Rev. C.L. Anderson and the Good Sheppard Missionary Baptist Church family.

I would also like to thank my main man and good friend Pastor Ritchie Williams and the Bethel AME Church family for always treating us like family. Thanks to Chris and Diana Reid and their families.  The Reids and The Gilliards don’t share DNA, however what we have goes deeper than blood lines.

Thanks to Kenny Fussell a true family friend. Thanks to Riceboro City Councilman Chris Stacy (my personal friend). Thanks to Platinum 40/40 Social Club (the best Liberty County has to offer).

Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Baker Sr. for their encouragements (even in their mid 80s, Mr. Henry and Mrs. Ethel continue to lead theis community). Thanks to Coach Shane Smith and the South Georgia Kings (our basketball team). Thanks to Margueritte West and Media on the Move (our photographer). Thanks to Harold, Helen and Stephanie Woods (our family) and thanks to all others for their support (Mrs. Nan Flowers and Riles Tax Service in particular).

Finally, I want to give a special thanks to my cousins The Taylors (Hinesville), The Martins (Savannah), and my family and friends from around the country for their support (especially the Gilliard’s from Raleigh, N.C.). And last but not least I want to thank my brothers (Rickey, Mookie and Pete), our wives (Felecia, Kim, Vickie and Vivian), our children and the Home Team from Azalea Street for working to help keep our mother’s legacy of giving alive.

Gary Gilliard
President/CEO Seven Ministries