Habitat brings the tropics to Clarendon …

Dear Editor:
The Clarendon Habitat for Humanity 10th Annual Author Luncheon was a tremendous success. Lucy Anne “LuLu” Buffett, our guest cookbook author, was overwhelmed with the warm reception she received and the response to her cookbook. Not only did LuLu contribute to making this the best event ever, there were many people who gave their time, talent, and their very best to make the annual luncheon such a success.

We wish to first acknowledge our top of the house and generous sponsors, Jim and Nell Black; The Bank of Clarendon; Land, Parker and Welch; The Manning Times and the Manning IGA.

A very special thanks to Shea Failmezger who planned the menu and, along with her dedicated cooking crew, coordinated and prepared the delicious meal. Shea is a true blessing to Clarendon Habitat for Humanity. She is a very creative individual who cheerfully gives of her time to help others.

We owe much gratitude to Lamar Kennedy who not only helped with the groceries but partnered with Jake Buddin to prepare the main course. We also extend our appreciation to the Manning United Methodist Church who so graciously allowed us the use of their beautiful fellowship hall. Reverend Debra Quilling-Smith, her wonderful staff, Wanda Erickson and Kristi Downer as well as Bill Smith’s A-Team made the luncheon site a wonderful venue for the event.

We also wish to acknowledge Stephanie Black, Sara Ann Aycock, Cathy Gilbert, Dobby Gallagher, and Brenda Lee who have helped at each of the ten luncheons and are always there when needed. We certainly want to thank Sandi Tucker, Margaret Robertson, Ann English, Vicki Broughton, Janet Meleney and Mary Wilson for bringing the tropics to Manning. We are fortunate to have had the F.E. DuBose Culinary Arts Program and Manning High School FFA students serve the guests. We are always so proud of how professional and courteous they are.

Most of all we are truly blessed and grateful to Marie Land for the many gifts and talents that she brings to our organization. She continues to give unselfishly to Habitat in so many ways.

The long list of names that follows exemplifies the community spirit and caring nature of the people in Clarendon County. Without these special individuals and businesses, and all the people named above, the luncheon would not have been possible.

We thank Lynden Anthony, Mary Arlen, John Belding, Black River Tools, Evelyn Blascak, Lana Branch, Connie Bledsoe, Carolyn Brewer, Horace Browder, Frances Buyck, Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Archie Craft, Charlie and Sharon Cramer, Cleve and Carol Dowell, Lynn Evans, John Flack, Randy Garrett, Dawn Griffith, Chef Evan Hallinan, Jim Haygreen, Micheal Haynes, Betty Lawrence, Andrea Lewis, Nick and Carolyn Meistrell, Marion Pickens, Carolyn Rearick, Phyllis Quelette, C.D. Rhodes, Doug Rhodes, Norm and Elizabeth Sefton, Jean Shaw, Mary Stone, Catering for All Occasions, Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, Manning Police Dept., The Sumter Item, Ericka Sexton, St. Matthias ECW, Kewpie Sprott, Tomac, Sea Coast Church, Wen-Lily’s and Mary Wilson.

In closing, we are also grateful to those who attended the luncheon and supported our efforts to build more homes in Clarendon County in partnership with God’s people in need.

Sincerely,
Connie Robinson
Executive Director