(Savannah, GA) September 8, 2015 – The Two Hundred, a 501(c) (3) organization that provides assistance to the family members of fallen and injured first responders in 18 Georgia and 2 South Carolina counties, is proud to officially launch its new “Red, White & Blue Campaign” and announce its inaugural fundraising event. The organization, now in its 15th year, strives to lessen the devastating effects of tragedies by providing immediate and significant financial assistance to surviving family members of those first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. To date, the group has given over $1.2 million to beneficiaries in Brantley, Beaufort, S.C.; Bryan; Bulloch; Camden; Candler; Chatham; Effingham; Evans; Glynn; Jasper, S.C.; Jenkins; Liberty; Long; McIntosh; Pierce; Screven; Tattnall; Toombs; and Wayne counties.
The Two Hundred Club’s newest initiative – dubbed the “Red, White and Blue Campaign” because those colors represent the three services they assist with: fire, EMS and law enforcement – focuses on the importance of the organization’s mission and its financial supporters. When a public-safety provider suffers serious injury or death on the job, the heartbreak and hardship endured by surviving loved ones can be unbearable. In addition to adjusting to new emotional realities or a life without a treasured family member, spouses and children must continue to meet financial obligations and keep their households running. Doing so often proves tremendously difficult, as families often aren’t prepared to deal with such a financial devastation. A donation to the Two Hundred Club goes directly towards insuring that families can stay in their homes, maintain a decent standard of living and remain in or enter educational programs. To raise awareness of the club’s efforts, expand its support base and raise funds for the families of fallen first responders, a “Red, White and Blue Barbecue” is planned from 11.30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 in downtown Savannah’s Ellis Square.
The event, which is co-hosted by the annual Savannah Food & Wine Festival, will feature delectable fare from a wide variety of well-known local restaurants as well as live entertainment. People will be invited to “donate for a plate” and while the minimum suggested donation is $15 the highest individual and corporate donations on the day will be highlighted. Individuals signing up for membership to the Two Hundred Club on October 16th will be entitled to a free plate of delicious barbecued pulled pork, succulent spare ribs, fresh coleslaw, baked beans and Texas toast. Businesses and eateries who’ve agreed to generously donate food for the occasion include Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp, Savannah Lodging, G.C. BBQ and Ruby Tuesday and Leopold’s Ice Cream will be there serving their delicious frozen treats.
A wide array of beverages – provided by Coca-Cola, Southern Eagle, Service Brewery, and United Distributing – will be sold. Anyone who wants to pre-order a plate can do so by going to www.twohundredclub.org. Pre-ordered meals will be available for drive-thru pickup between 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m or in Ellis Square. As attendees enjoy classic Southern cuisine and good company, they’ll be treated to an upbeat medley of country, blues and even Irish pop tunes, courtesy of Keith and Ross, In For A Penny, and Bottles and Cans. All funds raised through the barbecue and the campaign will benefit the Two Hundred Club’s primary goal of easing the pain of Georgia and South Carolina families who are struggling with the loss or injury of a law-enforcement officer, firefighter or EMS provider. For more information on the campaign, joining the club, making a donation or attending the barbecue, call 912-721-4418, email info@twohundredclub.org or go to www.twohundredclub.org. T
he Two Hundred Club, which is supported by donations and the dues of its members, understands how much immediate monetary support means to those who find themselves in such unfortunate situations. And the organization’s leadership is appealing to the public to empathize with these families and help ensure the club can continue its mission. The Savannah-based Two Hundred Club is primarily funded through tax-deductible memberships, which range from $250 to $1,000 per year. Donations also are welcome. The benefits are determined at the sole discretion of the club’s board of directors and all proceeds go directly to the families of these fallen heroes in our community. Members include professionals, homemakers, community leaders, small business owners and managers, corporate executives, retired and active-duty firefighters and law-enforcement officers.
Civic-minded individuals from all walks of life are encouraged to get involved and help make a difference, according to Two Hundred Club President Mark Dana. “The honor from aiding these families is a treasure that money can’t buy. We are all dedicated to the one purpose of bringing love into the lives of the families our heroes have left behind. We’re always eager to work alongside other philanthropic community members and hope they’ll consider supporting this worthy cause. Previous Two Hundred Club events where food has been available have attracted donations of up to $500 a plate so we are hopeful that our first annual BBQ in Savannah will raise a significant amount for the families we help” Dana said.
