A group of locals (some born and raised here, while others are transplants who call Rome home) came together to start a brewery. They knew they had to do more than just make beer. They wanted to be able to give back to the community as part of their business model. From there, River Remedy established several ways they give back to our community. They donate a portion of their sales to a variety of charities in our area. These charity partners rotate each quarter and range from groups that support shelters for various causes, the homeless population, the local environment, the arts, and more.
In addition to quarterly charity partners, River Remedy also hosts smaller pop-up charity events throughout the year. One of those pop-ups, Food Truck Fridays, partners with local non-profits to highlight their organizations. They also frequently open their parking lot for use by various non-profit events. Most recently, they supported ESP and Java Joy so that the group could hand out hot chocolate for donations during the Christmas Parade and line up.
Since opening in late 2021, River Remedy has raised over $18,000 for local charities through these partnership activities. Some of the local charity organizations that have benefitted from these activities include:
• The Davies Shelter
• PAWS: Public Animal Wellness Services
• Coosa River Basin Initiative
• Exchange Club Family Resource Center
• Hospitality House for Women
• The Jamie Hughes Fund
• TRED: Trails for Recreation and Economic Development
• RIFF: Rome International Film Festival
Deana was born and raised in Rome. She received a B.A. Degree in History from Mercer University. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from Faulkner Law in Montgomery, Alabama. She practiced Family Law, Estate Law, and Juvenile Law at her law office Deana Perry, LLC. Deana was appointed Associate Juvenile Judge of Floyd County in 2023, becoming the first African American Judge appointed in Floyd County. She is currently an Associate Juvenile Judge in the Tallapoosa and Rome Circuit Courts. She shares her home with her fur baby, Lincoln.
Community Service Activities:
• Past-President and current member of Junior Service League since 2013
• League for Learning
• Chieftain’s Museum
• Women of Worth
• Restoration Rome
• Floyd Commission on Children and Youth
• Brighter Birthdays
Nominator: “Deana is dedicated, organized, focused, and without fail, always puts service at the heart of each decision she makes as a leader.”
It is said of Mimi Richards, if there is a cause, she is the first to show up, raise her hand and open her heart to whatever is needed. She uses her platform to help get the word out about difficult causes and events going on in the community.
A native of Rome, and a graduate of West Rome High, she has always resided within 3 miles of Rome,
She has in some cases had the idea for many of the listed projects. Over the years she has participated in the following:
• Cancer Navigators Board
• Chieftain’s Museum
• Downtown Merchants Association
• Floyd Healthcare Foundation
• Georgia and National Association of Realtors
• First Floyd Bank Advisory Board
• Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation
• Heart of the Community Board
• Leadership Georgia
• Leadership Rome
• Rome-Floyd Chamber of Commerce
• Rome Streetscape Project
• Rome Symphony Orchestra, Past Chair, Debutante Ball
• United Way of Rome
A recognized realtor, Mimi and her husband, Hal, have recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and the 50th anniversary of their store Lodge Menswear.
Nominator: “Mimi remains one of the most well-respected members of the Rome-Floyd County community, the real estate community, and any cause that she has ever supported with her investment of time and resources.”
The Heart of the Community Foundation is accepting grant applications from community
agencies located in Rome and Floyd County. Please complete application below and mail to
Heart of the Community, P.O. 5064, 30162 or email to wanda.whitten@adventhealth.com
Deadline (received by) January 30, 2024.
Andrea Pitts has been appointed chairman of the Heart of the Community Foundation Board of Governors for 2023-2024.
Andrea completed her undergraduate degree at Berry College, her master’s degree in communication disorders at Georgia State University, and recently returned to Berry to complete her MBA at the Campbell School of Business.
Andrea is the Director of Patient Experience and Organizational Excellence at AdventHealth Redmond. She is both a graduate and former coordinator for Leadership Rome. Andrea now serves on the advisory committee for the current Rome Floyd Chamber Leadership Rome program. She and her husband served as host committee sponsors and planning committee members for Rome for the Rescues. Most recently, Andrea served as one of the judges for this year’s Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge. Andrea is the Executive Director of the Miss Rome Scholarship Competition. In June, she was named by the Miss Georgia Organization as the 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
Andrea and her husband, Tim live in Rome with their two rescued “fur-babies” (dogs) Maggie and Mr. Smiley Man.
The mission of the Heart of the Community Foundation is to recognize individuals in Rome and Floyd County for their outstanding community service. Recipients of these annual awards are honored at a black-tie gala presented by AdventHealth Redmond and the Heart of the Community Foundation, Inc. The 38th annual event will be held on February 24, 2024.
The Heart of the Community Foundation also supports local community agency projects with heart-health and humanitarian missions. Proceeds from this year’s event will support similar community agency programs in Rome and Floyd County. Previously funded projects have included the Heart House for families of critically ill patients on the AdventHealth Redmond campus, AED units in public facilities in Rome, a fitness course at Ridge Ferry Park, fitness equipment at the Thornton Center, swimming scholarships at the YMCA, exercise equipment for Summit Quest, and grants to various humanitarian and heart related agencies in Rome and Floyd County.
Additional members of the Heart of the Community Foundation Board of Governors include: Brooks Mathis, Chair-Elect; Megan Treglown, Secretary; Angie Beard, Treasurer; Sara Molnar, Treasurer-Elect; Chris Jackson, Past-Chair; Kevin Allen; Kristy Brown; Luke Chaffin; Barbara Earle; Courtnay Griffin; Jake Hager; Mandy Maloney; Sarah Martin; Shannon Newby; Carey Pilgrim; William Richardson; Michelle Rikard; Pam Roberts; Heath Rogers; Lauren Sklar; Dwight Stout; and Jim Talley.
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.”
Amy and Gaines Dempsey
Gaines is a native of Rome and Amy, a native of Cedartown. They are graduates of Darlington School and the University of Georgia.
Amy is a nurse in Labor and Delivery at Atrium Health Floyd. Gaines is the owner of Dempsey Appraisal Company. They have three daughters, Cade, Callie and Eloise.
As parents of a special needs child, they were interested in Extra Special People which operates in Athens. One component of ESP programs is Java Joy. This is a coffee catering business which trains & employs adults with special needs. It is run like a business; Joyristas are interviewed for positions and are provided with opportunities to interact with others and show their strength and spread joy. Several have grown in their employment with Java Joy and have secured other jobs in the community.
Working with ESP on an expansion plan for the city of Rome, Java Joy was first brought to Rome by the Dempseys. With their faithful leadership, advocacy, and fundraising the Dempseys have championed ESP for Rome. ESP provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Nominator: “Java Joy/ESP is poised to do remarkable things. Since ESP began in Rome with Java Joy in 2020, it has already done amazing things. Success stories have already happened. None of this would have been available if the Dempseys had not seen the need and taken a leap of faith.”
On Saturday, February 25, 2023, seven of Rome’s “unsung heroes” will be honored at the Heart of the Community gala “An Affair of the Heart.”
Our 2023 recipients include: Amy and Gaines Dempsey, Ford, Gittings and Kane Jewelers, Melissa Phillips, Melissa Rutledge, Kelly Sanker, Cristin Warden and Wesley Walraven.
For 37 years AdventHealth Redmond has sponsored these awards to recognize and honor individuals whose commitment through volunteer service has made this community a better place in which to live, work and raise a family.
Congratulations!
Hardy Realty
BUSINESS AWARD
Hardy Realty recently developed a company initiative that focuses on volunteer work, community service and donations. CEO Jimmy Byars has spent years contributing his time to this community and has cultivated a strong volunteer ethic among his agents and staff.
They will often be seen volunteering or donating to the following:
DaviesHome Shelters Desoto Theatre
Free Clinic Open Door Home
One Community United Sexual Assault Center
Heart of the Community Junior Service League
Java Joy of Rome TRED of Rome
United Way Cancer Navigators
American Red Cross South Rome Redevelopment
Elevation House South Rome Early Learning Center
Boys and Girls ClubRome International Film Festival
Boy Scouts Keep Rome Beautiful
Shakespeare Festival Habitat for Humanity
One Table Rome CRBI
Nominator: “Jimmy Byars, CEO, works to ensure this community is positioned for growth and the future while providing help to those living in the shadows and on the fringes.”
2022 Award Recipients:
David Thornton is a native of Rome. He and his wife, Teresa, have five children and 13 grandchildren. His community activities include:
-Chaplain: Floyd County Police Department
Floyd County Sheriff’s Office
Gordon County Sheriff’s Office
E-911
Metro Drug Task Force
-Georgia Homeland Security Division
-Sr. Chaplain Emeritus Georgia Sheriff’s Association
-Armuchee High Football Team
-Leader of Mission Trips to Israel and Greece
-Founder of Essential Church for First Responders
-Leads local ministers in service at the jail and other local needs in the community
-Active in Rome GA Cares Program for Hurricane Relief
-Vice-President Rome Noon Optimist Club
-Referee for High School Basketball
-Volunteer Coach
Nominator: “He takes care of our officers and their families, the incarcerated, our community, and other communities. We are so very fortunate to have someone as selfless as David Thornton here in Floyd County. He truly cares about ALL people and takes action to make lives better.”
2022 Award Recipients:
A group of locals (some born and raised here, while others are transplants who call Rome home) came together to start a brewery. They knew they had to do more than just make beer. They wanted to be able to give back to the community as part of their business model. From there, River Remedy established several ways they give back to our community. They donate a portion of their sales to a variety of charities in our area. These charity partners rotate each quarter and range from groups that support shelters for various causes, the homeless population, the local environment, the arts, and more.
