I’ve been involved with newspapers and media since I was in high school. That is more than 30 years. In that time, I’ve witnessed a lot of different people and their need for attention. The nature of the media business lends itself as a magnet for people who desire attention.

Thursday night I witnessed the recognition of three people who do not go out of their way to seek attention and recognition. These three seek to serve others selflessly. I was honored to see them recognized.

Townes Walker was honored as the Ambassador of the Year. This is a most appropriate recognition for Townes.

For the past several years, Townes has been working quietly behind the scenes to bring major attention to Clarendon County. The positive impact on the area is astronomical.

Each year there are fishing tournaments brought to Clarendon County by the Chamber of Commerce. Last year’s B.A.S.S. fishing tournament brought millions of dollars to the area. Professional fishermen came to Clarendon County. With them came the ESPN cameras. Millions of people saw the fishing in Clarendon County as good as it gets. Townes Walker was largely responsible.

The months of preparation that Townes and his crew put into this project reap huge dividends for area businesses. Most people who have benefited directly for Townes’ selfless efforts have no clue what he has done for them.

This community (both sides of the lake) owes Townes and the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce a huge debt. Sad thing is, the ones who benefit the most are the ones who will not even pony up $195 a year to join the chamber and will gripe the loudest about how no one does anything to help them.

For many years David Baker has been operating a several million-dollar business in Clarendon County. Through his efforts, he has employed hundreds of people, and served even more. How fitting that he was chosen as the Clarendon County Business Person of the Year.

Most people wouldn’t even give a second glance to the building next to Weldon Auditorium. Most don’t realize that David is one of the leading employers in Clarendon County and has a service industry that provides mega cost savings to several area manufacturers and businesses.

The lives David and his crew have affected in a good way, is monumental. And most people in the community do not realize the selfless acts David and his people accomplish.

David is so light hearted and easy going, it would be easy to be lulled into a sense that he doesn’t do much.

If you need any verification of one small task David did for many years, just ask Louis Griffith. Louis took over the Manning Rotary Club secretary/treasurer duties from David. No one paid much attention to the many years of selfless service David gave to the Rotary Club. Louis will quickly tell you it isn’t an easy job.

I was amazed when I heard the list of Mitch Gardner’s accomplishments. Mitch is one of those guys who is always behind the scenes making things happen. I’m involved with Striped Bass Festival and Ducks Unlimited with Mitch.

The sprinklers turn on during the Super Saturday a couple of year’s ago, everyone’s trying to figure out what to do. Mitch has found the valve and shut them off. We need an auctioneer at a Ducks Unlimited sponsor dinner; Mitch steps up to make it happen. Hauling bleachers, cooking for a crowd, what ever you need, Mitch is there. No complaining. No screaming “ME, ME, ME!” Just what do you need and Mitch is there.

As I looked around the room Thursday night, many of the attendees were selfless and giving people. Few can top the low-key, high impact, efforts of Mitch, David and Townes.