VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Board of Realtors honored many special organizations at a meeting Thursday with funding and supplies collected at their annual fund-raiser, the South Georgia Woman’s Show.

Thousands attended the fifth annual show held in early August that targeted women’s interests and focused on education. Booths provided refreshments, clothing and information about health, education and additional classroom needs. Money was provided for afterschool programs, food, books and supplies for tutoring programs, showcase area schools. The event also was an opportunity for Realtors to show their appreciation for local educators.

A great turnout allowed the Board of Realtors to exceed its goal, which benefited a variety of local organizations and schools. Janus School Inc., Kid’s Chance Inc., Jacob’s Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center Inc., Lowndes Drug Action Council Inc., The 30 Club, Southland Christian School and TEACH Inc. all received $2,500. South Lowndes Recreation Complex received $2,105, while Arts Inc. received $2,200. Mildred Hunter Center received $2,000, and Echols County Council for Children & Families Inc. received $1,000.

In addition, the following received supplies and gift cards for more supplies at the Learning Tree and Wal-Mart: Lake Park Elementary, Sallas-Mahone Elementary, S.L. Mason, Special Ed and W.G. Nunn Elementary.

Other requests were funded in part for Valdosta High School, Lake Park Elementary PTO, America’s Second Harvest of South Georgia Inc., Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and Valdosta Middle School.

The women’s show committee, led by event chairwoman Adonna Smith of Prudential ACS Real Estate, was honored with applause for a successful fund-raiser that overall greatly benefited the women and children of Valdosta.

A well-known Realtor was also recognized at the luncheon. Arthur Herndon, founder of The Herndon Company, was honored for more than 40 years of membership in the National Association of Realtors. While it is believed that he was a member for longer, records only date back 40 years. His son and current president of The Herndon Company, James Lee Herndon, presented him with a pin for his long-time service to the community.

Arthur Herndon spoke, assuring those in attendance that his years as a Realtor were enjoyable and profitable.

“I once heard someone say ‘If you choose a profession that you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life,’ and that is what I did many years ago,” he said, adding how much pleasure it brought him to watch the local real estate profession grow, mature and improve over the years.

Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, the event’s keynote speaker, discussed the purposes of his office as well as the steps he has taken to improve health care for the state’s rural areas. Other speakers gave information on continued education and other Realtor opportunities coming soon.

Members had the chance to enter ballots for next year’s officers, who will be inducted sometime in November. Look in The Valdosta Daily Times for coverage of the new office induction as well as next year’s South Georgia Women’s Show.

Information:

Contact The Valdosta Board of Realtors, (229) 242-2085, for information regarding Realtor services or the South Georgia Women’s Show and its beneficiaries.