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Chambers County got gussied up for the fourth annual Reed Foundation Gala. Locals came out to support the local nonprofit, which aims to serve the youth and seniors in the Valley area.

The foundation was started by Cameron Reed, a Lanett native, in 2021. The annual gala recognizes community members and students through the Helping Hand Award and three scholarships. At this year’s gala, Reed announced the organization would be adding two more scholarships in memory of his grandfather, James Reed, starting next year.

This year’s scholarship recipients, representing the county’s three public schools were MaKiah White (Lanett High School), Molly Williams (Valley High School) and JaNiyah Huguley (Lanett High School).

The Foundation not only provides funding for the students’ college education but also gives continual support after they graduate through mentorship.

Each year, the foundation honors three individuals who “embodied the mantra of being a helping hand in the community,” said Probate Judge Paul Story, the host of the event.

Lanett Mayor Jaime Heard was the first honoree. Heard was a longtime educator and principal before being elected mayor. He is also a Deacon at his church.

“I’m so proud of Cam[eron Reed]. He’s one of my former students, and it makes me feel good when I see one of my former students doing something positive,” Heard said. “I’ve always tried to be a public servant leader…And I try to do that on a daily basis. I love helping people.”

Pastor John Samanie of the Happy Valley Baptist Church in Valley. Samanie has been a church leader for over two decades and a veteran of the United States Navy.

“When you’re honored, it doesn’t really it’s not something you look for, you know, it’s something that we do things for the Lord that he would get the glory,” the Pastor said.

The final recipient was Richard Chapman. The West Point native served in the city’s water and wastewater department, and for many years as the superintendent of LaFayette’s department, before becoming the department’s superintendent for the city of Lanett.

Chapman is also heavily involved in West Point’s recreation department and his church.

Chapman kept his speech short and sweet, ending by saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Reed spoke of expanding the foundation in the years to come. He hopes it will partner with the cities and offer more programming to aid the youth and seniors of the area.

“We will try our very best to do what we can do to bring a little bit more joy, a little bit more love into our community.”