GECC Donates to Grayson Children's Fund

At last month's Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce meeting, Jamie Dempsy donated $500 to the Grayson managed by Blake Hawkins, owner of Hail Mary Sports Pub.

"The Chamber has been blessed so in turn we'd like to share it with the community," Demsey said, going on to explain why the Grayson Children's Fund was worthy of the donation. "We are going to do this again next month for another of the organizations in the tri-city area."

GECC serves the cities of Loganville, Grayson and Snellville. Hawkins said how great it was to be part of an organization like the GECC that gives back to the community that it serves. 

The Grayson Children's Fund started in 2006 by the Hail Mary Sports Pub owners and a few friends. Originally, they helped out with 7 children from Grayson Elementary School - backpacks with back-to-school supplies and gift certificates coordinated through the counselors there.

Last year, 18 families incorporating 32 children were helped due to the efforts of the Grayson Children's Fund. That is only expected to increase this year.

Through golf tournaments, pancake breakfasts and the Blues & Brews Craft Beer Festival, funds are raised throughout the year. In August, school supplies and needs are met through their backpack campaign, and in December, GCF volunteers step up to be some of Santa's helpful Grayson elves and some of the most determined shoppers on behalf of the families.

Last year, an added surprise brought in some additional funding allowing for a bigger opportunity to bring Christmas to more children than in past years. With the donation of a playhouse for raffle, an additional $1320 was raised. The playhouse was won by Cathy Phagan donated it back to be given to a child whose only wish for Christmas had been 2 x 4s to build a tree house.
If you would like to make a donation to the Grayson Children's Fund, you may do so by stopping by the Hail Mary Sports Pub. For more information, contact Blake Hawkins at hail_mary@att.net.