VFW Post #4066 members and Cleveland County Schools staff and teachers at the Wednesday, September 23, $25,000 check presentation for the schools' Exceptional Children's Program.

Shelby Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4066 has given quite a bit of money to the county schools' Exceptional Children's Program over the years... a whole lot of money!

So, it came as no surprise when the group met with Wendy Fitch and a group of Exceptional Children educators on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in order to present another large check to help with their great program which supports children with autism.

As they have done for the past six years, the VFW representatives and the Cleveland County Schools representatives gathered in front of the Cleveland County Schools' Administration Office building, located at 400 W. Marion St., in Shelby that Wednesday, for the check presentation.

This time was a little different though, noted Wendy Fitch, Director of Exceptional Children for the school system, as she said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing rules everyone would wear masks and maintain a safe, six-foot distance.

Mrs. Fitch has been the Director, she said, since July 1, but has been with the school system for 25-plus years, she said.

Current VFW Commander, Art Gordon, presented the $25,000 check to Fitch on behalf of the Post and its many members. Mr. Gordon, in return, was presented with a beautiful, hand-stained, hand-ground and carved wooden American flag piece of art from Brandy Greene and her daughter, Erin, representing Overmountain Woodworks, which is located in Grover, N.C. Mrs. Greene and her husband, Chuck, created the VFW-themed artwork for the event.

With Commander Gordon was former Commander Gene Ramsey, along with other VFW members Jake Gales, Steve Conner, Allen Gold, Gary Kester and Donnie Chandler. With Mrs. Fitch was Greg Shull, Cleveland County Schools' Marketing Dept., as well as many teachers and school office staff.

In the past, the major fundraiser for the check has been the VFW's Annual Bill Lynn Memorial Golf Tournament. And so it was this year as well, as the tournament - now in its seventh year - was played at Deer Brook Golf Course.

Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Gordon also noted there were other events hosted by the VFW that helped with donations toward their final goal. Mr. Ramsey said, "Raising money is a way for the VFW to help our community."

Head Social and Academic Instruction for Life, or S.A.I.L., teacher, Margaret "Becky" Seidel, thanked the VFW members and volunteers, saying, "Thank you all so much for all of your support! We really appreciate you! You all have meant so much to us."

To contribute to this greatcause, you can contact VFWPost #4066 at (704) 487-9093.