One of my favorite quotes is by Sir Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Much is required to whom much is given is the way it is explained Biblically. Nothing thrills me more than to learn about successful local businesses heeding those words in remarkable ways.
        Several years ago, a group of these philanthropic minded business leaders came together to honor one of Bulloch County native sons, Dr. Hudson Powell, who was terminally ill. Led by fellow dentist Jimmy High and Randy Hill, first vice president of Investments at Wells Fargo Advisors and close friends of Dr. Powell's, they established a golf tournament in his honor. he proceeds of the tournament went to the Boy's and Girl's Club of Bulloch. In one entertaining afternoon at Forest Heights County Club, the community came together and raised $42,500. It would be Dr. Powell's last game of golf.  He passed away a few weeks later.
        The next year, Hill continued the tournament honoring one of the founders of the local Boys and Girls Club, David Ball. That event raised $34,000 for the Club.
        "Our demand is much greater than our resources," said Mike Jones, director of the Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch. "With an annual budget of $850,000 to service 400 children in our community from ages 5 to 18, these funds have proved to be critical in helping us meet our mission. Each year we see federal and state grant dollars dwindling. In spite of this, we are experiencing remarkable results from the fruits of these investments.
        "About 99 percent of our participating boys and girls are promoted annually and graduate, classroom conduct and behavior increases and juvenile delinquency rates have dropped dramatically. We would not be where we were today if it had not been for David Ball's and Bruce Yawn's early and continued commitment to making this a reality in our community."
        Fittingly, Hill and his committee have decided to honor Bruce Yawn at this year's Wells Fargo Golf Classic. Bruce is most known for his ownership of the beloved Snooky's restaurant. He is also a passionate philanthropist who continues to give freely of his time and resources serving on various boards as well as supporting the causes and institutions that better our community.
        The tournament will be held on March 5th at Forest Heights Country Club. There will be 25 four-man teams and they still have a few team spots available at $1,000 per team. All of the proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club and they have set a goal of $40,000.
        Joining Hill in putting together this year's event are a great group of businessmen known as much for what they have given as what they do professionally, which includes: Ike Hubbard, Dr. Jimmy High, Roger Doty, Gary Johnson, David Ball, Mike Hatten, Bubba Renfrow and Leonard Blount.
        Not only is Wells Fargo known for what they do locally but studies show they are a global leader in giving. They take social responsibility very seriously. For the past five years Wells Fargo was recognized for the largest national workplace employee giving campaign, according to the United Way Worldwide They also were recognized by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the most generous cash donor in the U.S.
        There are not many relationships more important in the business world than those of your banker and your financial advisor. With this in mind, several years ago my family, many of my friends and business associates moved our investment portfolios over to Wells Fargo Advisors.
        During this same time I was investing heavily of my energy and time into helping establish the Hearts and Hands free health clinic. Standing with me in this effort was Bruce Yawn. Bruce opened doors and helped create opportunities that would pave the way for this valuable addition to our community to come to life. Five years later, our portfolios are stronger than ever thanks to the Wells Fargo Advisors team.
        Through this I have experienced firsthand, how Randy Hill and his team not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk. The Wells Fargo Golf Classic is one more shining example of their difference.
        For more information on how to get involved or sign up a team contact Randy Hill at (912) 764-5080 and as the slogan says, "Together we'll go far."
         Please email DeWayne at dgrice@statesboroherald.com or give him a call at (912) 489-9499.

Business Ticker

• Brooklet is experiencing a little restaurant shuffle. The popular Red Boar BBQ just relocated to the former location of Virna's Café at 108 E. Lee Street, near the Post Office. Owner Curtis Starling invites everyone by. They are now open at the new location and their hours are Tuesday thru Saturday, 11a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Their number is (912) 842-4227.
• Stacy Underwood is expanding his reach opening Uncle Shug's Bar-B-Q Place at 105 Highway 80 East in the former location of Red Boar BBQ. In addition to the popular Uncle Shug's chicken fingers and cheeseburgers, they will add, of course, Bar-B-Q. The grand opening is set for next Tuesday, Feb. 24 and they will be open from 11a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday. Their phone number is (912) 842-7284. Stacy Underwood also owns and operates two other highly popular restaurants, Ronnie's on Dean Forest Road off of I-16 and, of course, Uncle Shug's Chicken Barn at 301 South and the Bypass.
• Statesboro retailers in every sector are reporting record sales for this Valentine's Day. Frazier's Flowers reported record breaking sales, as did other local florists. Diners at LongHorn Steakhouse experienced waits up to three hour at peak times and there was a wait all day Saturday, as did all of the locations of El Sombrero Restaurants. The lines at Carmike Cinema 12 were wrapped around the building at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Hopefully, this is an indication of a strong year for retailers in Bulloch County.