Barbecue will benefit hospital
Trip Derrberry has long wanted to establish a fund-raiser to benefit a local charity. During discussions with a friend, Derryberry decided that helping the Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center would be a worthy cause.
Residents of Columbia and surrounding counties will have the opportunity to help raise money for the children's hospital during a barbecue Friday.
Events, including a tractor contest, will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Reliable Equipment Rental in Martinez.
"We wanted to have a charity that we consistently do something for year-round," said Derryberry, who co-owns Reliable Equipment Rental with Roej English. "Our first fund-raiser will benefit the hematology/oncology unit."
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Other fund-raisers, including one already being planned for March, will benefit Camp Rainbow, a six-day camp at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Ga. for MCG patients who have been diagnosed with cancer or rare blood disorders.
Reliable Equipment employee Talmadge Roberson shows how to use a mini-excavator to pick up a can. The company is holding a barbecue to raise money for the Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"I've known a couple of kids who have been through Camp Rainbow," said Derryberry, adding that the camp provides patients a relief from the stresses of dealing with their illnesses.
Camp Rainbow, which was established in 1985, enrolls 100-150 young people each summer. All camp costs are covered by donations from individuals or businesses, and volunteers serve as camp staff. Ashley Poteet, a child-life specialist at MCG's children's center, serves as the camp's director.
"It's not uncommon that many local businesses will step up and offer to hold fund-raisers for us," said MCG Health Inc. spokeswoman Deborah Humphrey. "Since we are the only children's hospital in the area, we do get a lot of support from local businesses."
Derryberry said he is delighted to help a good cause, calling Reliable's fund-raising effort "something nice to do."
Visitors to Friday's event will get a free barbecue lunch.
"Everything is being given to us," Derryberry said. "We are just accepting donations."
A tractor contest, in which the winning participant will win the use of a tractor for a week, also is planned. Reliable Equipment Rentals also plans to donate 5 percent of its profit until Dec. 23 to the children's center.