For the second year in a row, Richmond Hill City Councilman Robbie Ward donated his salary as a council member to a good cause this year. Actually, make that three good causes.
Ward, a Richmond Hill native serving his second term on council, gave his $5,000 salary from the city to the Bryan County Senior Center, the Richmond Hill Farmer’s Market and the Fight the War Within Foundation.
“Strengthening the capabilities of local non-profit organizations with voluntary funds allows them to better fulfill their mission of public good without the hassle of creating a fundraising vehicle,” Ward said. “My goal in these gifts are to help these organizations enhance their missions with funding they were not necessarily counting on. I encourage everyone to seek out a charitable organization to support. It makes a difference.”
About this year’s gift recipients
Fight the War Within is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources to those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress as a result of military or first responder service, or some other tragic event, to provide support for people from all walks of life, who are struggling and in need of help.
“We are very thankful for Robbie’s generous donation to Fight the War Within Foundation. As a 100% all-volunteer 501c3 organization, every cent goes towards our mission to end suicide. We are proud to have been started in Richmond Hill and to now proudly serve veterans, first responders, and people of all walks of life throughout the United States,” said Miranda Briggs, founder Fight the War Within.
The Bryan County Senior Citizens Center promotes the independence and well-being of citizens 60 and older in the community, offering the individuals and their caregivers information and access to needed services and resources.
“Robbie Ward has been a blessing to our Senior Center. Through his generous donations, we have been able to help our seniors in need, plan fun activities, and go on field trips. We thank him for always thinking of our center and seniors ,” said Tonya Henderson, Director of the Bryan County Senior Citizens Center in Richmond Hill.
The Richmond Hill Farmers Market offers a venue for local farmers, artisans, small business owners and entertainers a platform to showcase their goods and services for sale.
“Mr. Ward never ceases to amaze me in the ways he supports our community. He always makes time to attend events, engages with community members, as well as donating his city council pay check to various organizations each year. Being one of the recipients this year, the Richmond Hill Farmers Market committee is tremendously grateful of his generosity and support. Having Mr. Ward’s blessing in our endeavors to revitalize such and important tradition is an honor.” said Jackie Elroy, Richmond Hill Farmers Market Committee Note: 2021 recipients were the Friends of the Library, Richmond Hill Senior Center and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7331.