UWG News Archive

Sarners co-chair Villa Rica solicitation drive

September 19, 2003

CARROLLTON, GA - Every child should have a window of opportunity, especially when it opens to an education. Russ and Mary Sarner, having dedicated their lives to helping children achieve such a window, are hoping that their newest effort will provide more opportunities for students to advance their education.

That newest effort is serving as co-chairs for the Villa Rica Solicitation Drive for A DAY for West Georgia, the fund raising campaign that supports the University’s Annual Fund.

UWG News Photo “We have such an interest in education,” Russ Sarner explained. “Everyone should avail themselves of every academic opportunity available, and we hope that we will be there to help them do just that.”

As the leaders of the Villa Rica Drive, the Sarners want to develop strong support for the University’s cause from Carroll County’s northeast areas of Fairfield, Sand Hill, Hulett, and Villa Rica.

“These areas seem to be separated from the rest of the county, but are the fastest growing,” Russ Sarner revealed. “All Carroll County people should feel an ownership of the University, as it belongs to all West Georgians. We hope to strengthen donations here, and encourage those who do contribute to continue,” he said.

The Sarners plan to organize a letter writing campaign for solicitation in the area and hold a local reception for donors. The reception will be held on October 1 from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at Hometown Bank (corner of Hwy. 61 and South Van Wert Road).

With six children, 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, this pair knows what an impact a child can have on one’s life.

“We feel a need and obligation to speak up for children,” Mary Sarner explained. “Children in our society don’t have a voice; therefore, we have focused our interests on service organizations with goals of helping children.”

The Sarners are involved with many organizations that dedicate their efforts to making a better life for all children. Citizens Panel Review is a group that reviews the foster care progress and placement of children within the community. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a union of volunteers who speak on the behalf of children who are in juvenile court deprivation proceedings. The Sarners are also active with the Kiwanis Club, Prevent Child Abuse Carroll and the Carroll County Emergency Shelter.

In addition to being advocates for children, the Sarners have established the Russell G. and Mary A. Sarner Presidential Scholarship that goes to an Honors College student at the University of West Georgia. The scholarship will be given to a student who achieved at least a combined SAT score of 1,200 and entered college with a high school grade-point average of 3.5.

Russ and Mary Sarner are reaching for their goals and opening windows for all who need opportunities to succeed in life. As volunteers and donors of A DAY for West Georgia and as leaders within the community, this duo has developed a philosophy that each strives to remember.

“It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” both explained. “It fills our life with joy to help someone achieve their life’s dreams.”

For more information about A DAY for West Georgia or the Sarner Presidential Scholarship, contact the UWG Foundation at 770-836-6582.

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