November 11, 2010 - Lights fundraiser tops $230,000
By MORRIS STEPHENSON – The Franklin News Post

The Lights for Life memorial fundraising drive surpassed the $230,000 mark in its 12th week, according to L.D. Arrington, drive chairman.

Arrington said the total amount reported this week is $230,507.82 toward the $425,000 goal.

Donations during the week were led by the $7,037.89 raised by the Lights for Life Memorial Benefit Golf Tournament on Oct. 30 at Mariner's Landing.

Arrington thanked Jaime Manning and Jessi Potter, who co-chaired the tournament. They are employees of Arrington Enterprises.

Other donations this week came from The Uttermost Company, "a generous donation"; Flint Hill United Methodist Church, $500; Smith Mountain Lake Jets Youth Soccer Team's car wash, $363; and a gift of $250 from an anonymous donor.

Arrington said he was very pleased with donations made during the 12th reporting week.

"The golf tournament received tremendous support from the tournament sponsor, as well as hole sponsors. I'd also like to thank the individuals who formed the 18 teams who participated in the event," Arrington said.

"I especially want to thank the soccer players (ages 8-11) on the Smith Mountain Lakes Jets team who washed cars last Saturday to raise money to help us. And that also goes for Smith Mountain Lake Building Supply, which provided the space and water for the car wash," Arrington said.

"The people of this county have opened their hearts and their wallets to support this drive. We made the first announcement of the fundraiser on Aug. 25, and the response has been tremendous, to say the least," the chairman said.

The Town of Rocky Mount is compiling information for bids on the electronic equipment needed for the project, Arrington said.

The goal is to equip all traffic lights in the town and county, along with the emergency response vehicles, with electronic devices to warn motorists at intersections of an approaching emergency vehicle.

Some of the traffic signals and newer emergency vehicles are already equipped with the devices.

"Early indications are that we may have been a little low when the $425,000 goal was set. But I feel confident if the cost is a little over the estimate, it can be worked out without a problem," Arrington said.