I’m proud to call myself a member of the Bulldog Nation.
There have been a couple of down days for me as a UGA fan since the glory days of Herschel Walker but not many, and especially few since Todd Grantham left Athens for Louisville. The day Mark Richt was fired was something of a downer.
But we look for ways to move forward…
When Devon Gales of Southern University was paralyzed in a game against UGA in Sanford Stadium, Dawg fans donated generously to a fund to help pay his rehabilitation-related expenses. Although Devon has been released from the Shepherd Spinal Center, his rehabilitation efforts are far from over.
Now the Triumph Over Tragedy foundation is raising funds to convert the Gales family home to become handicap-accessible. I’m proud to be one of many who rallied to support this tenacious young man with such a positive attitude in spite of the unfortunate injury that made him a household-name for Bulldog fans. I fully intend to support Triumph Over Tragedy both now and in the future, now that I’ve learned a little about their organization and know about their work.
Another worthy cause that I’m proud to say Bulldog fans support is the Mission Dawgs outreach to Georgia’s homeless. UGA fans have teamed up with the Hope Springs Church in Athens to assemble and distribute what are being called “Goodness Bags” for the homeless.
#Mission Dawgs
The Goodness bags contain toothbrushes, tooth paste, deodorant, combs, baggies, chap stick, soap, socks, gloves, blankets a McDonald’s gift card for five dollars plus five dollars cash, some crackers, hand sanitizer, soap, hats, hand warmers, books, and something chocolate.
The Mission Dawgs have also been collecting and giving away winter coats, gloves, toiletries, gift cards, and food. What started out as a couple of UGA fans handing out gift bags to homeless people on the streets of Atlanta has mushroomed into a serious endeavor that’s helping hundreds of homeless people ranging from Athens to Atlanta, with several other places in between.
Donations to the Mission Dawgs effort can be made online or sent to:
Mission Dawgs c/o
Hope Springs Christian Fellowship
1025 Baxter St
Athens, Georgia 30606
Phone: (706) 549-0350
One last worthy cause to mention — and this one has a personal connection for me, is the GoFundMe page for my cousin Hank.
Hank is a UGA alumnus, class of ’77. A purebred Dawg, with the papers to prove it.
Hank suffers from a rather pernicious form of multiple sclerosis that has kept him confined to a wheelchair.
We’re trying to help him raise money for the robotic exoskeleton he’s shown using in the video, so he can walk again.
Win with integrity. Lose with integrity. That is the Georgia Way.
Give generously. If not of your time, give the money you don’t really need, what you’d otherwise blow on a video game or a twelve pack of Budweiser, the official beer of the Dawg class of ’83.
That’s just the way the Bulldog Nation rolls…we Dawgs might be ferocious between the hedges, but otherwise for the most part, we are generous and kind hearted. We do what we can for those who could use a hand…or a wheelchair accessible house…or a really cool robotic exoskeleton.
Always remember — every little bit helps.
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