GAINESVILLE - This year's top volunteer award from Good News Clinics (GNC) is the man who started the state's largest free dental clinic, Dr. Ed Burnette, director of GNC's Green Warren Dental Clinic.
Around 600 supporters attended the Good News Clinics fund raising dinner at First Baptist Church on Green Street Tuesday night at which the award was presented.
As Good News Clinics celebrated another year of service, its leaders cited growing demand for the free medical and dental service it offers in the coming year.
The Georgia Young Men's Ensemble set a spiritual theme for the event.
GNC Board member Dr. Richard Bennett said Good News continues to help without government funding.
"Our needs will be even greater and we're going to depend on our volunteers and supporters for even more in the coming year," Bennett said.
Executive Director Cheryl Christian said the current economic downturn is sending more people to the clinics for help because they have lost incomes and health insurance no longer available from their former employers.
"Many of them are in businesses that have been downsized," Christian said.
The Sam Poole Volunteer Award went to Dr. Ed Burnette, recruited by Dr. Poole to start the Green Warren Dental Clinic in 1997.
"I really want to accept this for the 43 dentists who have so graciously given their time," Dr. Burnette said.
According to GNC figures, those dentists donated 1,759 volunteer hours last year with 7,458 patient visits.
Ann Thomas, daughter of the clinic's namesake Dr. Green Warren, drew special recognition for donating the funding to equip the clinic in her father's honor and memory.
The Sam Poole Award honors former GNC Medical Director Dr. Sam Poole, who died in 2006 after serving as clinic director for 13 years.
Friday
October 18th, 2024
6:16AM
