Members of the community and representatives from Ogeechee Technical College will be seen all around Bulloch County on Tuesday, March 22 as part of the college’s annual iGot (I Give to Ogeechee Tech) campaign.

The campaign raises funds to support Ogeechee Tech, and has traditionally been held in Bulloch, Evans and Screven Counties on the same day. This year, however, each of the three counties will have its own day for the campaign. The Evans County campaign is set for this Tuesday, while Screven County will be the focus the next day on Wednesday. Bulloch, Evans and Screven comprise OTC’s official service delivery area, although the college serves students from other counties, as well.

The iGot campaign raises funds for the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation and benefits OTC in numerous ways. Student scholarships, emergency funds for students, equipment leases and purchases for academic programs, staff development activities, and other vital support for the college is provided through the generosity of the Foundation’s donors, said Barry Turner, OTC’s vice president for College Advancement. 

The 2015 iGot campaign set a record when it raised $352,748, topping the $311,183 raised in 2014 and the $304,571 in donations in 2013.

“One important way the Foundation supports the college is through needed acquisitions,” he said. “In recent years the Foundation assisted in the purchase of a new tractor-trailer truck for the Commercial Truck Driving program, it leases equipment for the college’s Sonography and Radiologic Technology programs, and recently the Foundation purchased available land for expansion of the campus.”

Turner pointed to the Move on When Ready (dual enrollment) programs in local high schools, certificate, diploma, and degree programs to serve local workforce needs, as well as GED and literacy training, and support for new and existing industries, as just some of the ways that Ogeechee Tech has a positive impact on the local economy and the quality of life in the Bulloch County and surrounding region. 

“When you think about the many ways in which our graduates take care of the day to day needs of the citizens of this area, you begin to understand the impact the college has on all of our lives,” Turner said. “In medical professions, public safety, food service, construction related professions, information technology, and in so many other areas, our graduates serve the citizens of Bulloch and surrounding counties.”

Local volunteers will canvas Bulloch County on March 22, offering the opportunity for businesses and individuals to support Ogeechee Tech through contributions to the Foundation.  Monetary and in-kind support are appreciated, said Dr. Steve Healy, Ogeechee Technical College Foundation board president. 

“Ogeechee Tech is vital to the economic vitality of this area, and to the quality of life of our citizens, and I hope everyone feels a conviction to support the Foundation in helping Ogeechee Tech,” Healy said.  

Anyone who wants to ensure their name is on the list to be contacted may call the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation office at (912) 688-6098.