By ED BALDRIDGE
ed.baldridge@newssun.com
AVON PARK -- More than 300 people gathered on Tuesday afternoon at the Hopewell Campus of the Redland Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) on 100 E. Sims St. to enjoy music and share in an outreach program designed to develop a sense of community and to give away free turkeys baskets for the holidays.
Organized by several community groups and headed by Arnold Wilson, executive director for the Beachfront Community Outreach, and Tonya Marshall, community coordinator for the Highlands County NAACP, the second annual Thanksgiving Homeless Awareness Benefit drew crowds, and an unexpected celebrity.
Those gathered received a surprise visit by Thomas McClary, co-founder of the original Commodores, historical activist from the grounds of Tuskegee University, and writer of the group's 1970s hit song "Brick House."
"Over the years, we have learned, even from the Tuskegee days, that you have to stay grounded and connected to the community. That is one of the things that I have always believed in," McClary said in an interview with the News-Sun.
"We know that without the grassroots support of the people, even the Commodores would not be here. It is always important to give something back. Sometimes people make it big and they never want to return back, but that is one of the biggest mistakes that anyone can make," McClary said.
The event included a giveaway of food baskets to those in need, and was designed to inform the public about what services were available.
Several service organizations, from the Highlands County Coalition for the Homeless to the sheriff's office, were on hand to educate and greet the public.
"We are here doing ID bracelets and information about the sheriff's office services," said HCSO outreach coordinator Nell Hays.
"It is important to show that we do more than arrest people, we are here for the kids, and anyone, who needs help. We offer a lot of services, such as crime prevention, DARE, ID information, and help in all times of need. And it is important that the community knows that we are a part of the community," Hays said.
Wilson told the News-Sun that 250 turkey baskets were given away, with more than just the frozen birds inside.
"This was birthed out of the fact that that there were so many duplications of services. There are families that need the service but are lost in the cracks because by the time they bounced around from place to place, the turkeys were gone, or the services ran out," Wilson said.
"We don't want stop what any other group is doing, we just want to provide a place every year where those services can be concentrated, and people can be educated about what is available," he added.
"We want to share with the other service organizations out there. When RCMA bought this building, they came to the community and asked 'How can we help with what you are doing?' And the event just grew from there. That is the kind of cooperation we need," Wilson said.
"About 10 community outreach groups were working together and sharing their services," Wilson said.
Along with the HCSO and the RCMA, Wilson wanted to give out special thanks to those that helped to make the event a success, especially Avon Park's finest.
"(Police) Chief (Matt Doughney) was very supportive. When we first went to him, he immediately answered 'Anything you need,' and that is the support we were looking for," Wilson said.
One of the major parts of the events were free Wildcat Burger, via Robert Wilson's famous recipe, and Rattler Dogs, named in honor of Bethune Cookman University and Florida A&M University, both football teams featured in the Florida Classic.
"What a great testament to see. You are joining hands and forces, and this is the greatest form of love," McClary added.
According to Wilson, the event will be scheduled again next year, and those wishing to sign-up early to help can contact Wilson at 446-3018 or Marshall at 386-0522.
Friday, November 27, 2009 - www.newssun.com/1127-eb-outreach