Submitted photo from left to right: Matt LaHood, Buddy LaHood, and John LaHood carry on the tradition of serving seniors set forth by Buddy’s parents, George and Gonza LaHood.

VALDOSTA — Fellowship Home at Brookside hosted a cookout to commemorate its’ 40th anniversary. 

Attendees included local dignitaries from Lowndes and Brooks counties, local physicians and representatives from several health care organizations.

According to Tiffany McQuaig, communications specialist with Fellowship Home, each Fellowship Home assisted living community hosts two annual cookouts for residents and their families, one in the spring and another in the fall. Because this year marks the 40th anniversary since George and Gonza LaHood opened the Brookside location, invitations were extended to those who have helped contribute to the community’s success. 

“The spring cookout was the perfect opportunity to show gratitude to people in the area who partner with Fellowship Home to serve senior adults,” McQuaig said in release. 

“Fellowship Home is as much like home as anyone could want,” Ann Whatley said as she recalled thetimes she spent at Fellowship Home with her late parents. “This is a place that is filled with God’s presence, and I stand grateful to the LaHoods, the staff, and the volunteers who served my parents as well as those who continue to serve in this ministry. It truly is a calling.”

Throughout the years, The Fellowship Family has grown from a single location operated almost exclusively by the LaHood family into five communities employing over 200 people. Fellowship Home now has locations in Valdosta, Nashville, Cuthbert, Cordele and Milledgeville. 

Throughout the company’s growth, the LaHood family has remained intrinsically involved in overseeing each facility, according to release. 

“We give thanks to our wonderful employees who are an extension of our family as they carry out our mission to serve the seniors in this community,” John LaHood said. “The selfless service and sacrificial love that exists here is simply amazing. It is a humbling experience to be trusted by families and a great honor to partner with them to provide care to their loved ones.”

Activities Coordinator Brian Gonzales organized the event. Local guitarist Tanner Strickland performed blues music as guests dined on freshly grilled hamburgers, hotdogs and sausages. Regional Dining Services Manager Jaime Peters and her team prepared the food for the event. Buddy LaHood’s offered homemade ice cream as well as other desserts.

“This is the best cookout we have ever had,” Buddy LaHood said.