Upcoming Events

August 12
Jersey Mike's Subs Grand Opening
North Augusta, SC

August 22
Health & Safety Expo
Louisville, GA

September 3

BFF Blitz

September 15
REO Speedwagon Concert 

September 21
Savannah Golf Tournament

October 15
Jeff Chavis Golf Tournament
Lexington, Sc 

October 17
Jeff Chavis 5K Race
Lexington, SC 
 
For more information contact Alicia Sweat at asweat@sfbf.net
No one ever became poor by giving.
Anne Frank
Join us for the

The Augusta Mall
lower level near Sears
Thursday, September 3
5 - 7 p.m.
By the Numbers: 
31:  Community Champions raising money for the BFF Campaign. 

Our guests look forward to the home grown, home cooked meals from the Hephzibah Mennonite Church. 

The beauty of the Chavis House is one can come from visiting a loved one, and then be encouraged by others going through the same thing.  
  Richard DeHay
Chavis House guest
A special thanks to our
BFF Blitz Sponsors!




   
jersey mikes
Don't miss the grand opening of Jersey Mike's Subs in North Augusta on August 12 - another fundraiser for SFBF!
REO Speedwagon

Tuesday, September 15 
Bell Auditorium 
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August 2015  

   

At the Community Champions Kick-Off Breakfast, Connor McKemey, Honorary Chair of the 2015 BFF Campaign talked about his healing journey from burns on nearly 90% of his body to an NCAA Division I lacrosse team. The Community Champions  will lead the Burn Foundation Friends Campaign as we attempt to raise $65,000 this fall. Connor reminded everyone of how important the Burn Foundation's mission is. In this newsletter you will read about a few of our Community Champions who have a special connection to the Burn Foundation. If you want to support Connor or another Champion as they help us meet our goal click here to visit our Community Champion page and then click on their photo.

BFF Champions  
Darrell Byrd 
Darrell Byrd, a Vice President with State Bank & Trust Co., is known for his volunteer work for various community charities. He became a BFF when he first volunteered with the Burn Foundation's Rodeo Nights and Best Dam Ride. This effort is all about his love and loyalty to his sister, Debra "Debbie" Payne, who died in 2011. As a faithful member of Power Baptist Church in Harlem, she had prepared meals for our Chavis House guests. "My brothers, sister and I were taught by our parents to give back to our community. Debra loved what the Burn Foundation stood for and after I toured the Burn Center a few times and later heard (burn survivor) Connor (McKemey) speak, I knew that I wanted to help the Burn Foundation in Debra's memory," shared Darrell.

 

Lauren and Sarah Parker

The Parker sisters, Lauren, 26, and Sarah, 24, are committed BFFs. Their mother, Julie Tanner, Director of Burn Services at Doctors Hospital, "drafted" them into service as volunteers several years ago.   However, when tragedy struck a family in their hometown of Orangeburg, SC, their perspective changed. The family of a close friend stayed at the Chavis House while their loved one was being treated at the JMS Burn Center. "I can't imagine my child being treated for an injury that far away from home. I never realized how far reaching the Burn Foundation was until people I cared about needed that help," explained Sarah. The Parker Sisters make a formidable team. "We're doing it together because we tend to do everything that way," Sarah shared with a laugh. Lauren, an ICU nurse at Doctors Hospital, and Sarah, a Nutritionist with the Richmond County Health Department, are using social media to meet their goal. "Not only do we want to raise a lot of money, but we want to reach a younger audience and get the word out about the Burn Foundation...If we have a goal, we always want to exceed it. And we are hard-headed - so maybe we will do that."

 

Tracy Stolarski

Although Tracy Stolarski worked as the VP of Business Development for Doctors Hospital in 1996, it wasn't until her own father came close to losing his life that she recognized the unique missions of the JMS Burn Center and Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation. Tracy's father, Charles Moss, lived in Great Falls, SC, and was a diabetic, who had developed neuropathy in his foot. Tracy remembers the day in 1996 she received a call from her father saying that his local physician had indicated that he would likely have his foot amputated. She immediately asked him to drive to Augusta and meet with Dr. John Dawson, who helped found the Advanced Wound & Burn Clinic. "Dr. Dawson admitted my dad and told me that he was very sick, septic in fact. He was not sure that he could save his foot, or his life, for that matter," explained Tracy. "He not only kept his leg, but he lived a long and full life after that. I will always be grateful to the wonderful Burn Center staff. That's why I am proud to support the Burn Foundation."  

 

John Bellotti

Married to Amanda Bellotti, Chairman, Board of Directors, Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation, gives John Bellotti not only a front row seat to many functions, but also personal insight into the services provided by the Burn Foundation.   "What I have learned about the Burn Foundation, how they're able to help people and provide basic services is really important," shared John. "They work to keep the family together by giving them a place to stay at the Chavis House. When my sister had a brain tumor and was treated (in another state) they didn't have anything like the Chavis House." John, Sales Manager with Duplicating Systems, Inc., plans to reach out to family, friends and customers to get the word out about the Burn Foundation. "I am honored to have been chosen to be a BFF Champion. It's a wonderful cause and I am happy to help in any way I can."  


Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation, Inc.
3614 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Bldg. C
Augusta, Georgia 30909
1-800-650-BURN