Photo by Morris Stephenson: Windy Gap Elementary School Principal Brenda Hopkins, left, and Jacquie Locklear, co-president of the PTO, present checks totaling $600 to L.D. Arrington.

L.D. Arrington, chairman of the Lights for Life memorial fundraiser, said he turned over more than $1,900 to the Town of Rocky Mount Wednesday, bringing the total donated to date to $274,677.09.

“I know of several hundred dollars that have not yet been turned in and have also heard several other fundraisers are planned,” Arrington said.

“The fundraiser held in the memory of Rocky Mount firefighters Posey Dillon and Danny Altice surpassed a quarter of a million dollars at the end of last year,” he added.

Of the money turned over to the town treasurer, more than $1,200 came from special donation boxes in Dairy Queen and Bojangles restaurants.

“Arrington Enterprises has officially ended its drive to collect money in our special boxes and have reverted our efforts to the Children’s Miracle Network,” Arrington said.

Another $600 was given Wednesday morning by the teachers and staff at Windy Gap Elementary School and the school’s PTO organization.

Between Dec. 1 and the holiday break, teachers paid $1 to wear jeans to work on Fridays. That effort raised $300, which was matched by the PTO parents.

Principal Brenda Hopkins presented a $300 check on behalf of the teachers, while teacher Jacquie Locklear, co-president of the PTO, gave the other check to Arrington.

“Again, I would like to thank everyone who in any way contributed to the Lights for Life drive. From the pennies to the largest single individual contribution of $50,000, it was amazing how the people opened their hearts and pocketbooks in the short period of 20 weeks,” Arrington said.

By:  Morris Stephenson – The Franklin News Post

Franklin County High School's YOVASO Club held its first annual Guns and Hoses benefit basketball game Friday night raising $2,779 for the Lights for Life memorial. L.D. Arrington accepts the check from Chelsea Hodges, Jessica Chitwood, Levi Wray and Brian McClung.

Members of Franklin County High School’s YOVASO Club (Youth of Virginia Speak Out) wanted to contribute to the Lights for Life memorial fundraiser when they returned to school in September.

The drive had started about a month before students went back to school.

According to Brian McClung, club sponsor and criminal justice instructor, it was the students who came up with the idea for a basketball game, featuring local law enforcement officers and firefighters.

So they borrowed the name “Guns and Hoses” and set the contest for Feb. 18 in the Samuel Hawkins Central Gym.

A lot of work went into preparing for the game. Larry McCarty and Deborah Russell, local restaurant operators, were lined up to coach the firemen.

Veteran radio announcer Glenn Lynch and Amy Pendleton, a morning radio personality, were picked to coach the police officers.

Special t-shirts were purchased for the participants, with the officers using their badge numbers and the firemen using their last names.

With assistance from Master Trooper Tim Harris, a club sponsor, team rosters were quickly filled with volunteers.

An estimated 500 spectators showed up to support their favorite team, said McClung.

The Guns team clearly had the height advantage and put it to work early in the game. The officers had doubled the score on the firefighters, 35-15.

Special entertainment was provided throughout the event, with children from the crowd shooting baskets against the officers.

Finally the announcers and scorekeeper jumped into the mix. Suddenly two-pointers scored by the firefighters appeared on the scoreboard as four points and occasionally even more.

Unofficially, the final score was shown as a whopping 104-98.

The club presented the proceeds ($2,779) to L.D. Arrington, drive chairman, Friday morning.

“We’ll have have to do this again next year. We all enjoyed it, and we appreciate everyone turning out to support us,” said Chelsea Hodges, club president.

“The students were the ones who made this work. And we got got tremendous support from the police, firemen and a lot of volunteers,” McClung added.

With the club’s contribution Friday, Arrington said the drive total now stands at $272,694.

It will be firemen against the law enforcement officers in the “Guns and Hoses” Lights for Life benefit basketball game set for the Franklin County High School central gym.

The event will be held starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, and sponsored by the Franklin County YOVASO (Youth of Virginia Speak Out) for traffic safety club.

Tickets are $5.

Club sponsor Brian McClung said all proceeds will go to the Lights for Life fundraiser.

McClung, a Rocky Mount police officer who is the criminal justice instructor at FCHS, said the benefit game was the students’ idea.

“They wanted to raise money for the drive and came up with pitting the firefighters against the police officers. Of course all proceeds will go to the fundraiser,” he said

Participants are still being recruited, according to McClung.

“The students have been working on this and the public safety folks have helped in spreading the word,’ McClung said.

“We want all of the volunteer firefighters to know about it and hope they provide some outstanding talent we don’t know about,” McClung said.

“The same is true with the police officers. The students want these men to bring their best shooters and defensive players to the gym and let them battle it out on the court,” McClung said.

“These guys are in good shape so they should be able to run up and down the court without any problem. Just in case, we’re trying to recruit more players than most folks need,” McClung said. “Who knows, there even might be some minor injuries.”

Team rosters will be announced as soon as possible, McClung said.

The club is trying to bring in some “personalities” who will serve as honorary coaches of the two teams.

“We’d like to urge everyone to come out for the big game and also assist the Lights for Life campaign. Who knows, this game could become a big annual fundraiser for the YOVASO club members,” McClung said.

By MORRIS STEPHENSON – The Franklin News Post

Physical education instructors join administrators at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in presenting a special promotional size check for $2,000 to L.D. Arrington, third from left, chairman of the Lights for Life memorial fundraiser. Shown, from left, are Betsy Hill, Andy Flora, Arrington, Terri Robertson, Brenda Muse, Julie Luckett and Jessica Slough.

The student body of Benjamin Franklin Middle School was jointed by teachers for a “dodge ball” tournament on Jan. 14 that raised $2,000 for the Lights for Life memorial fundraiser.

Seventeen teams from the physical education classes were involved in tournament play, with team members being selected by their classmates.

Six teams came from each of the sixth and seventh-grade PE classes, with an additional five from the eighth grade.

Teachers also were allowed to play on the teams. Instructors of the school’s physical education classes are Jessica Slough, eighth grade; Julie Luckett, seventh grade; and Betsy Hill and Andy Flora, sixth grade.

Each of the tournament participants paid $1 to participate, while student spectators also came up with $1 to watch. Teachers chipped in a little more or $5 each.

Principal Terri Robertson said tournament competition was held between 12:10-2:50 p.m.

Not counting teachers, staff or the administration, the school has a student enrollment of approximately 1,725, according to Robertson.

The principal said the dodge ball tournament was fun for the students and adults who either participated in the action or watched from the stands.

“Everyone can play dodge ball. And it’s fun to watch,” one PE instructor said. “The tournament created a lot of interest at the school.”

“This was truly a school event for a worthy cause,” said Brenda Muse, school administrator.

The check was presented to L.D. Arrington, drive chairman, Thursday morning.

To the citizens, churches, organizations, businesses and industries of Rocky Mount, Franklin County and surrounding areas:

One hundred and forty days (140) days after its beginning, the Lights For Life memorial fundraiser has exceeded its public sector goal.

By any measure, the Lights For Life drive has been an astonishingly successful and humbling experience. I am truly thankful for the many contributions that came in all sizes from 50 cents to $50,000 and from many different sources.

The drive averaged $1,875.27 per day for each and every day during the duration of the campaign!

On Wednesday, Jan. 12, I met with Rocky Mount Town Manager James Ervin and Franklin County Administrator Rick Huff II. I informed them that to date the drive had raised a total of $262,538.43. They were excited and very thankful for the public’s contributions and said that the work on the project should be completed in early spring this year. Donations will still be accepted. Mail to: Town of Rocky Mount, 345 Donald Ave., Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Additional funds will simply offset the cost to the taxpayers.

YOU THE PEOPLE of Rocky Mount and Franklin County have responded to the call much faster and more generously than I ever dreamed possible. I am thankful beyond words for your trust and support. Now that you have done your part and the town and county is ready to do their part, I know all of Rocky Mount and Franklin County will be a safer and better place to live and travel.

I must give due credit to my friend whom I’ve known for more than 50 years — Morris Stephenson, the real driving force behind my efforts. The Franklin News-Post provided for many articles and completely supported the Lights For Life campaign.

My hope and prayer is that Posey and Danny will always be remembered for the great men they really were.

If one sentence could sum up the project, mine choice would be, “ALL GAVE SOME AND SOME GAVE ALL”.

I am proud to call Franklin County home.

L.D. Arrington, Founder & CEO

Arrington Enterprises, Inc.

By MORRIS STEPHENSON – The Franklin News Post

L.D. Arrington, seated, volunteer chairman of the Lights for Life memorial fundraiser, looks over the engineering plans of the Lights for Life project after giving his final report to Rocky Mount Town Manager James Ervin, left, and County Administrator Rick Huff II.

While donations will still be accepted by the Town of Rocky Mount, the volunteer effort for the Lights of Life memorial fundraiser is ending.

L.D. Arrington, the local businessman who led the effort, announced this week that $262,538.43 has been raised at the end of the 22nd report week, Friday, Jan. 14.

Arrington announced the total at a meeting Wednesday with Rocky Mount Town Manager James Ervin and Franklin County Administrator Rick Huff II.

Arrington said $2,612 was deposited this week from countertop collection boxes at Flowers by Jones, Quizno’s, Bojangles and Dairy Queen locations during the past several weeks. The boxes will remain in place for several more weeks, he added.

After Arrington’s report, Ervin and Huff informed the drive chairman that the project is expected to go out to bid in February. The two officials estimated the project’s total cost between $600,000 and $620,000. The officials told Arrington that the balance will be covered by the two governing bodies.

The town and county hired Stone Engineering to draw up specifications for the project to equip all traffic signals and emergency response vehicles with the electronic devices needed to make intersections safer. The devices will be used by emergency response vehicles as they approach intersections to change traffic signals and warn motorists that such a vehicle is approaching.

Huff said there are approximately 70 emergency vehicles at 19 different locations throughout the county. Some of the newer traffic signals in the county are already equipped with the electronic devices.

The fundraiser started Aug. 25 with an announcement of three $25,000 pledges by Danny Perdue, Joel Shepherd and Arrington. Two days later, Franklin Community Bank made a $15,000 donation, presented by Larry Heaton, bank president and CEO.

The Lights for Life memorial fundraiser was the result of the July 26 traffic deaths of two local firefighters, Chief Posey Dillon and Danny Altice, both veterans with the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department.

The two died when a RMVFD fire truck, loaded with 1,000 gallons of water, was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Route 40 East and School Board Road about 4:29 p.m. The firemen were answering a call to the Glade Hill area of Smith Mountain Lake when the accident occurred. Dillon was driving the truck.

Dillon, 59, was a veteran of 33 years with the department, while Altice had more than 40 years of service as a firefighter.

A growing concern about making intersections safer led to the first meeting on Aug. 17 at the Rocky Mount Municipal Building. Representatives of the RMVFD were Chief Charlie Robertson, Assistant Chief Jeff Rakes and firefighters David Young, Justin Woodrow and Jeff McCarty attended the meeting. It was Young who came up with the idea of naming the fundraiser Lights for Life.

Initially, a goal of $425,000 was set and later increased to $450,000. As equipment needs and prices continued to be tabulated, the total project cost rose to the $600,000 figure.

When discussions were first held, the group hoped the fundraiser could raise $200,000. The $100,000 mark was passed on Sept. 9, led by an anonymous donation of $50,000. The weekly reports continued to increase at a steady rate as donations from individuals, businesses and industries poured in.

The $200,000 mark was broken on the seventh week of the drive in early October when $205,945 was reported by Arrington. Then the amount for the 20th week report on Dec. 31 showed $257,497, Arrington said.

“The donations reported this week all came from small donations. It’s amazing to me how the donations of small change and dollar bills in the countertop collection boxes mounted up,” Arrington said. “And it wasn’t unusual for larger bills to be inserted into one of the boxes. A $100 bill was left in one.”

“Everyone who contributed money, from small change to the largest donation, made this fundraiser a huge success. I cannot thank the residents enough,” Arrington said. “This fundraiser is a great tribute to Posey Dillon and Danny Altice. They will never be forgotten.”

Friday, December 24, 2010

The Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department donated $2,500 to Lights for Life this week. Riley Peters, left, battalion chief, and Thomas Cummings, treasurer, from left, Tuesday presented the check to drive chairman L.D. Arrington.

By MORRIS STEPHENSON – The Franklin News Post

“The people of Franklin County have given the Lights for Life memorial fundraiser a tremendous Christmas gift with total donations surpassing the first plateau of $250,000.”

These were the words of L.D. Arrington, drive chairman, in announcing Thursday that $253,592.11 in total contributions have been made through the end of the 19th report week.

“What a Christmas present this is,” Arrington said with a smile.

A donation of $2,500 led the way this week. That amount was contributed by the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department.

In presenting the check, Battalion Chief Riley Peters said, “The generous donations to our department by Boones Mill area residents made the donation possible. Without them, we could not have done this.”

Peters was accompanied at the presentation by Thomas Cummings, treasurer of the BMVFD.

Other donations received this week by Arrington or at the Town of Rocky Mount offices came from Paul R. Shively Inc., $1,000; Franklin County High School Class of 1961, $500; and the Franklin County Education Association, $300.

Also checks were received from H.H. Hunt, Zilphia Bowling, Ralph B. Rhodes and the WMU of the New Life Baptist Church.

Darius McBride and Jerry Adcock, members of the Class of ’61, said the class donation was being made “in memory of Danny Altice and 19 other deceased classmates.”

“Classmates voted to make this donation at our recent reunion,” McBride added.

Mary Edwards, president of the Franklin County Education Association, said teachers raised money by baking goods and selling them at the Eagles’ football games. She was accompanied for the presentation by Stephanie Lovelace, secretary, and Terry Jones, a member of the local association, who heads District 5 of the Virginia Education Association that includes Franklin County.

In announcing the $250,000 plateau had been reached, Arrington also said the memorial fundraiser will continue to seek and accept donations.

“A number of people have called me and said they had a donation that would be coming by the end of the year or at the start of the next fiscal year,” Arrington said. “A lot of people also are filing taxes and it may work out they may have a little money left that they could donate to Lights for Life rather than give it to the government.”

Arrington said the more money raised through contributions means less taxpayer money will have to be used by the Town of Rocky Mount and Franklin County, who are partners in the project.

“It is truly amazing that the drive has broken the quarter-million dollar mark in just 19 weeks. The drive did not officially begin until Aug. 25,” he continued.

Arrington had nothing but praise for everyone who has contributed to this campaign, no matter how small or how large the amount.

“I don’t yet have a total collected in the countertop change boxes that are in a number of locations. I do know we’ve gotten a lot of pennies and other change, as well as dollars, left in these boxes. It adds up fast,” Arrington said.

“At the beginning of the drive, we figured if every customer donated just 25 cents, then each of our stores (Dairy Queen and Bojangles) would raise $10,000,” Arrington said. “When these totals are tabulated, I honestly feel we are going to reach that figure or perhaps go beyond it.”

“All I can say is a sincere and simple ‘thank you’ to one and all for your wonderful support. This has been the nicest Christmas gift Franklin County could ever receive,” he added.ﾠ”And, I would like to wish each and every one a Merry Christmas and a great New Year.”

Staff Photo by Morris Stephenson: Dr. Ed Murphy, right, president and CEO of Carilion Clinic, came to Rocky Mount Tuesday to present a pledge for $5,000 to L.D. Arrington, chairman of the Lights for Life drive.

By MORRIS STEPHENSON – The Franklin News Post

A $5,000 pledge Tuesday from Carilion Clinic led the way during the 18th week of the Lights for Life memorial fundraiser, putting the drive’s total to date at $248,597.

L.D. Arrington, drive chairman, said Dr. Ed Murphy, president and CEO of Carilion Clinic, came to Rocky Mount Tuesday afternoon to announce the pledge.

Murphy, accompanied by Carilion Vice President Shirley Holland of Callaway, said the gift was given in honor of more than 1,000 Franklin County residents employed by the system.

Other amounts received during the week include $810 from the Callaway Community Tractor Ride in October.

In addition, a contribution of $300 was made by the Franklin County High School Boys’ Basketball Boosters prior to the Eagles’ game played Friday night. And a donation of $250 was received from Burnt Chimney United Methodist Church.

Other donations came from the Waidsboro Ruritan Club Auxiliary, A.B. Woody, Charles W. Robertson, Beverly Davis, Raymond S. Williams and Boone Accounting, the chairman said.

Arrington also acknowledged a contribution made earlier in the drive that has not been announced in the newspaper. That came from Flora Funeral Service and Crematory.

The drive is now only $1,403 short of its goal of $250,000.

“Contributions, both large and small, continue to be received,” Arrington said. “I know personally that people are still making donations on a regular basis at our countertop collection boxes at all of the Dairy Queen and Bojangles restaurants. Other who have countertop boxes in their stores are saying the same thing.”

“As it appears now, we may just go over the $250,000 goal next week,” he said. “If that happens, what a wonderful gift it would be for all the residents of Franklin County.”

“This will be a great tribute to Chief Posey Dillon and veteran firefighter Danny Altice, who lost their lives in that tragic accident on July 26,” Arrington added.

Staff Photo by Morris Stephenson: Franklin Heights Baptist Church made a $5,000 donation Wednesday to Lights for Life. Dr. Stan Parris, Melvin Hunt and Doyle Hamilton, from left, present the check to drive chairman L.D. Arrington, second from left.

Friday, December 10, 2010

By MORRIS STEPHENSON – The Franklin News Post

A $5,000 contribution from Franklin Heights Baptist Church to the Lights for Life memorial fundraiser on Wednesday pushed the total for the 17th week to $241,567.54.

L.D. Arrington, drive chairman, said the donation was really appreciated and needed to keep the fundraiser moving toward its goal. He expressed his deep appreciation to the church members for making such a generous gift.

“For the report week, we had a total of $5,419 with a number of individual donations being received through the Town of Rocky Mount,” Arrington said.

He also reported a donation of $100 from Ippy’s and the Ippy’s Bridge Club.

“I personally want to thank each individual who has contributed to this worthwhile drive. I know a lot of people can’t make large donations. But every bit of change, from just a few cents to several dollars, collected in the countertop boxes adds up to more than you think. We have quite a few of those special collection boxes around at various locations,” he said.

He again urged the owners of any businesses who have not turned in money from their collection boxes to do so as soon as possible.

“They can drop off the money at the Town of Rocky Mount Municipal Building on Donald Avenue or at Arrington Enterprises’ office on Route 40 West in Rocky Mount,” he added.

“I hope we will be able to reach the $250,000 mark before Christmas. We’re not stopping there, but I would like to see that amount reached before Christmas. It would be good news for the drive,” Arrington said.

The goal is to raise $450,000. The Town of Rocky Mount and Franklin County will give money to the drive to complete the total amount needed.

Electronic devices to change traffic light signals and warn motorists when an emergency vehicle approaches will be installed on the town and county traffic signals that need the update.

The fundraiser is the result of the July 26 deaths of Rocky Mount Fire Chief Posey Dillon and veteran firefighter Danny Altice. They died when their fire truck collided with other vehicles at the intersection of Route 40 East and School Board Road. The men were answering a fire call to the Smith Mountain Lake area when the accident occurred.

The drive officially started with an announcement made on Aug. 28.

Staff Photo by Morris Stephenson: Sheila Copenhaver, owner, and Jewel Hunt, founder of J&J Fashions, from left, are joined by Deborah Russell, Ruth and L.D. Arrington in front of the Lights for Life banner.

Friday, December 3, 2010

By MORRIS STEPHENSON – Staff Writer

Approximately 200 people turned out Tuesday night for the 19th annual J&J Fashions Gala at Franklin Heights Baptist Church’s family center.

This year, money raised during the event will be donated to the Lights for Life memorial fundraiser.

Sheila Copenhaver, owner of J&J, said she was very pleased with the attendance, which could have been hindered by an all-day and night rain.

Following the dinner by Adele’s Catering, 15 models displayed 30 of the latest in women’s fall and winter fashions.

The models, who are J&J customers, included Rita Jenkins, Gwen Taylor, Betty Kingery, Peggy Sink, Sue Lipscomb, Linda Simpson, Brenda Muse, Mildred Rigney, Carolyn Webster, Beverly Woody, Victoria Copenhaver, Jean Wray, Carolyn Barrow, Windy Tibble and Pat Caldwell.

Jeff Hall of Hall’s Music played two sets of seasonal music on his harp. Hall, an accomplished musician on many string instruments, has been playing the harp for 12 years. He now performs throughout the state and along the East Coast.

Deborah Russell, a spokesperson for the Lights of Life, told the group of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of veteran firefighters Chief Posey Dillon and Danny Altice, who were answering a fire alarm from the Smith Mountain Lake area.

As a result of the accident, a fundraiser was started to equip all traffic signals and emergency response vehicles with the electronic equipment needed to warn motorists that an emergency vehicle is approaching an intersection.

A goal of $450,000 was set. The fundraiser hopes to raise at least $250,000 of the total. The Town of Rocky Mount and Franklin Country have pledged to provide the balance.

In addition to the proceeds from the gala being donated to the fundraiser, individual donation envelopes were placed at each table. Results of the donations will not be known until later in the week.

At the conclusion of the event, a drawing for $100 gift certificates was won by Sue Ann Mullins, Carol Chamberlin, Gracie Mullins, Roby Penn, Lucy Thomas, Betty Paxton, Shirley Dent and Flora Cobbs.

“The gala was another big success, and I continue to appreciate the outstanding support it receives from the community. Every year, we’ve donated proceeds from this event to some worthwhile agency or group in our community. This year, we wanted to give our support to this great fundraising effort,” Copenhaver said.