Wesley Walraven
Wes Walraven moved to Floyd County in 1970 at the age of 8 when his family relocated the area. His father Wesley C. Walraven was the founding Academic Dean of Georgia Highlands College.
Wes graduated Pepperell High School in 1980 and received a BBA in Finance from the University of Georgia in 1983 and a Master of Management Studies from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago.
He returned to make Rome his primary residence in 2011 and has focused his philanthropic efforts to many worthwhile causes in the area including:
• Responsible the fundraising campaign for the Fairview School project and the restoration campaign for the Vann Cabin in Cave Spring.
• Founded the Walraven Family Scholarship at Georgia Highlands College. To date, the scholarship has provided full tuition to over 25 Pepperell High School graduates pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at GHC.
• Provided financial support to the Desoto Theatre, the Foundation Camp at Georgia Highlands College, Chieftains Museum, Rome Symphony Orchestra, Rome Area Heritage Foundation, Berry College’s McAllister Hall Animal Science Building, Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum, The Davies Shelters, Open Door Home, AIDS Resource Council of Rome, Darlington School, Rome Area Council for the Arts, Coosa River Basin Initiative and the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia
• Currently serves on the Board of Trustees of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation
• Restored five houses in the Rome’s historic “Between the Rivers” district and two in historic Cave Spring
• Hosted charity events in support of numerous Rome and Floyd County organizations
Nominators: “Wes has provided support to many members of the local community as they faced financial hardship often arising as a result of medical or addiction related issues.”
Cristin Warden
Cristin is a native of Michigan and grew up in a military family. After working more than 10 years in the financial industry, Cristin elected to home school her children and serve the community. She and her husband, Anthony, reside in Rome and have two daughters.
Cristin received a Bachelor of Science in Management with a minor in Organizational Psychology from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Her activities include:
• Founder of Brighter Birthdays which provides birthday party supplies and gifts to 2500 children annually in Floyd County and surrounding areas
• Volunteer with Floyd Felines
• Crocheted pieces that were sold at Mel and Mimi’s to benefit the Community Kitchen
• Participates with Rome Knitterati projects including winter wear for homeless individuals and pieces displayed on Broad Street
• Financial Literacy Coach for the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia and Restoration Rome
• Oversees and gives direction to the ministry of teen moms at Young Lives
• Donates time and meets needs at Community Kitchen
Nominators: “Where there is a need, Cristin tries to fulfill that need as soon as possible. She has a big heart and compassion for those who are struggling.”
Kelly Sanker
Kelly worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 10 years before deciding to be a stay-at-home mom and yoga instructor. Originally from Lagrange, she and her husband, Jason, have lived in Rome for 18 years. They have three children ages 16,13 and 10.
• Sustainer in Junior Service League of Rome with active membership and leadership positions
• Worked closely with Harbor House – The Northwest Georgia Child Advocacy Center
• Member of the First Baptist Church of Rome where she serves as a Deacon, Bible Study Teacher and on church committees
• Exchange Club Family Resource Center – 2022 Star Volunteer and current President
• Fundraising for Gary Tillman Memorial Clocktower 5K Race
• Chairman for “An Evening with Scott Thompson” benefitting the Family Resource Center
• Volunteer with Rome Community Kitchen
• Volunteer with Living Proof Recovery
• Teacher of trauma Yoga
Nominator: “Kelly is an amazing mom who loves her community and continues to give back on a daily basis.”
Melissa Rutledge
A native of Cedartown, Melissa received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design.
Her activities include:
• Founder and organizer of Rome Knitterati
• Secretary and graphic designer with Rome International Film Festival
• Board member, Keep Rome-Floyd Beautiful
• Former Gallery Coordinator and former board member at Makervillage
• Volunteer fundraiser for Floyd Felines
• Creator of Free Art Friday in Rome
• Other volunteer activities have included volunteering with: Brighter Birthdays; Cancer Navigators; Rome Downtown Development; CRBI “Catfish Kissing Contest”; Davies Shelters; Hospitality House for Women, Inc; Public Animal Welfare Services (P.A.W.S); and Rome Area Council for the Arts (RACA).
Nominator: “Melissa is always working on at least one if not more community service projects.”
Melissa Phillips
Melissa is an advocate for children. She and her husband, Dan moved to Rome in 2007. They have two children, both 11 years old, and enjoy hiking, fishing, and traveling as a family.
Her activities include:
• Harbor House – The Northwest Georgia Child Advocacy Center; serving 8 years on the Board of Directors and as Past President
• Berry College Equestrian Team – Assistant Coach
• Vikings Booster Club and fundraising efforts for the Berry College Equestrian Team
• Floyd- Polk-Chattooga Medical Alliance – 15-year member and former Board of Directors
• Townview Garden Club – Club President
• Obtained a national grant for landscaping and renovation of the Harbor House
• Served 2 years as a Kindergarten “Room Mom” at Berry Elementary and planned the Kindergarten Wedding at Frost Chapel
Nominator: “She is one of the hardest working community volunteers I have ever met.”
Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers
In 1958, Ford, Gittings and Kane opened their store on Broad Street in Rome. In 1973, at the age of 17, Jan Jones Ferguson began working there for the Christmas season.
Under the guidance of Joe Gittings, Jan began her career as a Certified Gemologist. She continued to flourish by becoming co-owner of FGK in 1996. In 1981 she became the first female Certified Gemologist in the state of Georgia.
A former Award of Honor recipient for the Heart of the Community, her mentorship has led the team to have a servant’s leadership approach in Rome and Floyd County.
Their activities and donations include:
Kickback to the Community – in store Silent Auction for multiple Charities; Mission is Possible – Birthday Club and projects for “Differently Abled Children”; Rome Community Kitchen; One Community United; Brighter Birthdays; Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation “Evening on the Runway”; Annual participation in the Heart of the Community “Awards of Honor” gala and Silent Auction; Rome Floyd Chamber member and annual participation in Business EXPO; Rotary Club of Rome; Seven Hills Rotary Club of Rome; Coosa River Basin Initiative; Northwest Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America; Java Joy; Rome International Film Festival; Initiated Annual Pay It Forward Easter Basket; Elevation House; Summit Quest; Salvation Army; Restoration Rome; Living Proof Recovery; Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia; Rome Braves “Player of the Month” Sponsor; Open Door Home; Past President of Georgia Jewelers Association; Past President of Southeastern Guild of the American Gem Society.
Nominator: “Jan and her team have given so much time and energy toward making our community vibrant.”
