Nonprofits Awarded $14K From Southern Magnolia Charities

MILTON, GA — Three local organizations were the recipients of $14,000 checks awarded by Southern Magnolia Charities. The Milton-based organization donated the checks to Dream Weavers of Georgia, Milton First Responders Foundation and Canine Assistants during a ceremony held Nov. 15.

The three charities were previously selected to receive the proceeds from the Nov. 3 Milton Tour of Homes. In opening remarks, Southern Magnolia Charities President Marsha Spear, who spearheaded the recipient-selection process, emphasized each group's “commitment to our community.”

"The three recipient charities illustrate the important work that charities do to support disparate groups in need in our area," Spear added.

Earlier in the year each member of the Southern Magnolia Charities Board of Directors proposed a charity for consideration. Through a system that assured fair deliberation of all nominees, the three beneficiaries were selected. Checks were presented by the board members who proposed each of the three recipients.

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In accepting the award for Dream Weavers of Georgia, President Fred Moeller said the grant will help foster parents provide extracurricular activities so foster children can build confidence and enrich their lives.

The Milton First Responders Foundation was represented by Treasurer Robyn Pinto, who noted how officers, firefighters and EMS personnel support the city often at great personal risk and sacrifice. This organization provides emergency financial support to first responders and donates needed equipment and training when money is tight.

Volunteer Karen Edge, who represented Canine Assistants, was accompanied by a service dog to accept the check for the organization. She noted the important role service dogs play for patients with mobility issues, epilepsy and Type 1 diabetes. Each service dog placed by Canine Assistants costs $31,000 to teach, and the organization provides all dogs free of charge.

“Rest assured, this check will be put to good use,” Edge said.

For more information about Southern Magnolia Charities, contact President Marsha
Spear at 678-770-7936, email info@southernmagnoliacharities.org or visit its website or Facebook page.

Photo: from left to right are Kevin Spear, Southern Magnolia Charities; Karen Edge, Canine Assistants; Robyn Pinto, Milton First Responders Foundation; Lara Dolan SMC; Fred Moeller, Dream Weavers of Georgia; and Donna Savas, Southern Magnolia Charities. Credit: Southern Magnolia Charities