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Young Life honors former committee chair at annual banquet
Young Life pic
Paul Hallock, left, and Shawn Dutcher, right, present former Young Life Committee Chair Bill Burt with a plaque at the group’s annual fundraising banquet Oct. 28. - photo by Photo/Submitted

Young Life held its annual fundraising banquet Oct. 28 at First Baptist Church of Dawsonville. 

  

It was a special night as the group recognized Bill Burt for his commitment to helping youth in Dawson County come face to face with Jesus Christ.

  

The mission of Young Life is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. 

  

Bill Burt began having informative meetings with the community in 2001. 

  

“If it were not for Bill, we would not be here today reaching the middle school and high school students in Dawson County. Bill’s commitment and tenacity has done so much for this communit. We are glad to honor a man that has done so much,” said Shawn Dutcher, area director for Young Life.

  

The Dawson County ministry began in 2003 and has grown tremendously each year. During the past year, Young Life has expanded from only having ministry with Dawson County High School students to beginning College Life at North Georgia College & State University and WyldLife with both middle schools in the county. 

  

“We are excited about all God is doing in Dawson through Young Life. We hope in the coming years we can expand to Lumpkin County and other ministry opportunities in Dawson,” said Dutcher. 

  

With growth comes increase in needs. 

  

Young Life Dawson County’s budget has grown to $98,000. With the growth, also comes the expanded need for volunteers.

  

During the banquet, various speakers; including staff, parents, students, volunteer leaders and alumni, celebrated all that is being accomplished in Dawson County.

  

They also expressed the challenges they face in a slowing economy. The banquet was a success, raising more than $30,000, but there is still a long way to go. 

  

“Young Life needs the community and the community needs Young Life,” said Dutcher. 

  

According to Dutcher, the only way for Young Life to continue reaching adolescents in Dawson County is to have the community partner with the mission.

  

There are multiple ways to be a partner: financial donations, volunteer on committees, volunteer to work with teens or offer your gifts in other ways. 

  

Dutcher asks, “Please, consider partnering with Young Life in one of these areas.” 

  

Young Life would like to thank the following Banquet Underwriters; Chestatee State Bank, Ernie Elliot Inc., Tower Automotive, Church of the Apostles, Etowah Water & Sewer and United Community Bank.

  

If you are interested in helping, or just learning more about Young Life, contact Dutcher at (706) 265-6510.