April 08, 2009

Citrus County Chronicle

The 3rd Annual Affair to Remember was presented by the Community Action Foundation of Citrus County (CAFCC) on Saturday, March 21, 2009 pm at the Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club.  This was an evening of celebration of CAFCC children, families, community and the accomplishments of CAFCC.  Live musical entertainment was provided by a dynamic, jazzy R&B band, LadyFingers of Tampa, FL.  All of the youth were outfitted in formal wear for this spectatular evening.  David’s Bridal provided dresses and gowns and Men’s Warehouse-Tuxedo provided tuxedos.

“Each year, CAFCC has “upped the ante” for the Affair to Remember”, according to Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Katrice McCray-Holly.  This year are excited to offer two $500 scholarships.  Providing scholarships for continuing education allows CAFCC to both help the community and recognize and remember people who have made significant contributions to the community.

The 2009 Annie M. McCray scholarship was awarded to Venisher Edwards, a senior at Crystal River High School.  Venisher plans to attend Central Florida Community College.  Ms. Annie M. McCray’s (b. Jan 20, 1922) efforts to educate our community spans more than 3 generations.  She attended Florida A&M University on the Amos Lewis Scholarship, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors) and obtained a Master’s degree in Education from Stetson University. Ms. McCray taught in the Citrus County School System for 45 years and loved to teach, both in school and in the community.  Even after she retired, she often remarked that she was still teaching – and she did, leading by example.  The Annie M. McCray Scholarship award honors a high school student going on to higher education.   

The 2009 Theola Bunch McCray scholarship was awarded to Ms. Lakesha Harrison, who is working to obtain her LPN nursing degree and will graduate in approximately 3 months.   Mrs. Theola Bunch McCray (Dec 12, 1945 – Jul 4, 2007) left a tremendous legacy of love and hope.  She was a loving mother, a dedicated wife, and hard worker who loved to cook.  She had a deep love for family and this community.  She fully knew love, sacrifice and commitment – which epitomize the struggle of a mother, making the sacrifice and commitment for the love of her family.  The Theola Bunch McCray Scholarship honors this mother, who is making the sacrifice for her family and continuing her education. 

Mayor Ron Kitchen of Crystal River presented the CAFCC Mayor’s Youth Excellence Award to Dadrian Ruiz a freshman at Crystal River High School and Henry Hicks, a 3^rd grade student at Seven Rivers Christian School. The Mayor’s Youth Excellence Award is given to students who exemplify the characteristics of future leaders and shine a light on the positive efforts of our community youth.  These young people have given an outstanding amount of effort to emerge as leaders in CAFCC.  We want to acknowledge their efforts and to continue to encourage them.

Mr. Smith Stanford (Oct 3, 1940 – Feb 19, 2008) was a remarkable man who loved his family, served his community, and led by example.  He served weekly as a volunteer and mentor to our kids.  Even in his failing health, he showed up, ready to share his vast knowledge and experiences, and gave his best.  He strived to instill a love of learning and knowledge, pushed the youth to be inquisitive and to appreciate the benefits of mathematics and science – all done in love and with patience.  Our 2009 Mr. Smith Stanford Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Joy “Ms Joy” Gallion for her tireless service and dedication to CAFCC.  Mrs. Gallion serves tirelessly each week as a program assistant, as well as being actively involved in many of our community and outreach events. 

The evening also recognized organizations that have been instrumental in our success and accomplishments for the year.  They have made significant contributions to CAFCC and our youth and families with our CAFCC Gold Star Awards.  The 2009 Gold Star Award recipients are: Afro-American Club of Citrus County, William Bunch of Oysters Restaurant, Progress Energy, Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church, and Seven Rivers Christian School .

Since our inception in July, 2006, all of our work and efforts have been supported completely by volunteer efforts.  Over 40 volunteers were recognized for their service to CAFCC, their youth, families and community.

The Community Action Foundation of Citrus County (CAFCC) is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization that offers educational, cultural and social enrichment programs for the youths and families of Citrus County, particularly for the socio-economically disadvantaged and at-risk.   CAFCC exists to address the needs of our youth and community by addressing the principles of Community, Education, Health/Nutrition, Etiquette and Values.  We seek to build relationships with families and youth in order to build community.  We communicate, motivate and educate.  For more information, visit the CAFCC web site at www.cafcc.net or contact CAFCC at (352) 563-2429 or via email at info@cafcc.net.