to schools, community

By AMY LANSDON

Features Editor

July 17, 2000 10 PM

Charlie Dunn had a vision to help people in Pike County.

To make that vision a reality he contacted other retired military personnel, like himself, and discussed way they could help people who needed it most.

In December of 1998 Dunn’s vision became a productive organization known as "Charlie’s Angels," and they have succeeded in what they set out to do.

Dunn said "Charlie’s Angels" has several philanthropies in which they raise money for each year. The money raised is used to help various organizations, schools and people in need in the county.

"We started this for the good of the community," Dunn said. "Everything we raise we give it to schools or someone in need. We don’t keep any of it for the group."

"Charlie’s Angels" made their first public appearance in the Christmas parade in 1997, and held their first formal meeting in January of 1998. Since then, the "Angels" have been true to their word in helping Pike County.

Last year "Charlie’s Angels" under the leadership of Dunn gave several scholarships to students at local schools.

"In 1999 we gave two scholarship worth $500 to students at Pike County High, Goshen High, Charles Henderson High and Pike Liberal Arts," Dunn said.

In addition to last year’s scholarship money, "Charlie’s Angels" gave $750 to the ROTC programs at Pike County High School and Louisville High School, and $150 to elementary schools in Pike County this year.

In order to keep giving money to schools, school programs and others in need, "Charlie’s Angels" depends on the various fundraisers it holds each year.

In January of each year the members of "Charlie’s Angels" meet to discuss fund-raising opportunities. This year the group decided on a bicycle giveaway, which is underway now.

"In January we meet to see what we have and where we can put it to best use," Dunn said. "To raise money for the upcoming year we are giving away two bicycles at Charles Henderson High School’s first home game this year."

In addition to monetary donations, the "Angels" also perform military services for deceased veterans with honorable discharges, and in 1998 purchased caps to distribute at the VA hospital in Tuskegee.

Helping people in Pike County is important to Charlie’s Angels, and they are always looking for others who want to make a difference. The "Angels" meet the first Saturday of each month. To become a member a first-time membership fee of $100 is required. There is an annual fee of $25 and a monthly fee of $5.

Anyone interested in joining "Charlie’s Angels" or anyone who wants information about the bicycle give away can call 670-6761 or 566-1310.

Officers for Charlie’s Angels are: Willie Toney, commander; Charlie Dunn, executive officer; William "Bill" Sanderlin, recording secretary; Samuel Lewis, chaplain; and Ben Andress, treasurer. Other members include James Neal, Jake Wingard, Jeffery Dixon, C.H. Henry, Robie Joseph, John Cook, Bill Emerson, Homer Wright, Jesse Youngblood and Tellis Hill.