On Saturday, April 23, 2022 beds mounted on bicycle wheels will race around the Lawrenceville Square in a Bed Race to benefit Family Promise of Gwinnett. “It’s a light-hearted race to call attention to a very serious problem,” says Carol Love, executive director of Family Promise of Gwinnett County.
The Bed Race is the most visible fundraiser for Family Promise of Gwinnett, which strives to end homelessness one family at a time. Family Promise operates Promise Haven where families experiencing homelessness stay for up to 90 days while looking for jobs and housing. Community volunteers provide evening meals for the families. In the past, the event has raised approximately $45,000 in its best year.
The Bed Race, typically an annual event, was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. During the Bed Race, teams of four runners, plus one rider, race their beds for 228 yards. Each team competes in two heats. The racing beds must have a mattress or box springs; but no air mattresses are allowed.
Racing begins at 11 a.m. at the corner of Perry and Pike streets. Trophies will be presented during a closing ceremony at 12:30 p.m … Awards will be given for the fastest bed in youth and adult categories, a people’s choice for favorite bed design, and the top fundraising team.
Bed Race sponsors include Metro Waterproofing, M.C. Dean, Thrivent, Peach State Federal Credit Union, and Bullseye Indoor Range and Gun Shop. For more information, see www.familypromisegwinnett.org or call 678-376-8950.
Eighth annual Duluth Rotary Car Show to be held April 9
The eighth annual Rotary Club of Duluth Car Show returns on Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on site at the Duluth First United Methodist Church, 3208 Duluth Highway in Duluth. The family-friendly event is free to the public.
This event welcomes vehicles in all categories. Each event attendee will get one vote to choose a favorite entry. Owners of the 20 most popular vehicles will receive people’s choice trophies. The entry with the highest number of votes overall will receive a grand prize.
Other highlights include a $1-per-ticket raffle (winner splits proceeds with Duluth Rotary); refreshments (burgers, hot dogs, drinks, etc.); and collectable t-shirts for sale.
The event raises money for Operation One Voice, (www.OperationOneVoice.org.) Mark Tyrrell, a Duluth Rotarian, and event organizer, says: “Operation One Voice was started by Bill Stevens, a retired Gwinnett police officer. It helps with families of wounded and fallen soldiers. Operation One Voice has raised and given over a million dollars since its inception. I am proud to be part of the organization.”
The fee to enter the car show is $20 per vehicle for those who pre-register by Wednesday, April 6. The cost per vehicle on the day of the event is $25. To preregister, fill out the form online and mail it with a check made to the Rotary Club of Duluth to Mark Tyrrell: marka.tyrrell1@gmail.com or 2913 Paddock Trail, Duluth, Georgia 30096. Participants may also reserve their spot and pay by check, cash, or credit card on the day of the event.)
North Georgia gets additional telephone area code: 943
North Georgia is getting a new telephone area code on March 15. It’s to be “943.” Current telephone numbers, including current area code, will not change. The growth of the greater Atlanta area spurred this addition. The new area code will overlay the existing 404/470/678/770 region. All of Gwinnett is affected by this change.
Southwest Chamber selects Johnson for Character Award
The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber kicked off a month-long March celebration of their 10-year anniversary. The organization’s signature First Friday monthly networking event drawing local business professionals was the perfect setting to recognize an outstanding local youth.
A Wesleyan School junior, Savannah Johnson, had no idea why she was in attendance at the event. After a description of her character and accomplishments, the audience began clapping as Savannah Johnson, who lives in Dunwoody, was given the Chamber’s Character Award. MaryBeth Bender, Chamber executive board member, conveyed the organizations’ desire to elevate students making a difference in their community- not as much because of what they do, but because of who they are.
Johnson was recognized as an outstanding student whose attitude and actions embody the organization’s mission, passion, and commitment to excellence and community action. Dr. Joseph Koch, principal of The Wesleyan School, recommended Savannah Johnson because of her leadership. Various Wesleyan staff recognized her as a hard-working, mature, conscientious and respectful leader amongst her peers, consistently offering a helping hand, as well as stepping up to lead without being asked. She is considering several colleges to attend in Georgia, showing interest in nursing and nutrition/exercise science.
The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce champions the local area as the preferred place for economic opportunity and diverse talent, generating a robust quality of life. The organization fosters collaboration amongst business leaders to connect, engage and make a difference in the community. Each month of the school year, the Chamber will recognize a selected student based on the characteristics of respect, citizenship, caring, trustworthiness, justice/fairness and responsibility, displayed at home and in the community. Applications for consideration are available and can be submitted to SWG Chamber of Commerce board member Mary Beth Bender at mbender@norcrossga.net.
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