From Tommy Greer:

Since the ’80’s our goal has been to build on the solid foundation and reputation established by Joe Blackburn, Carl Childers and Charles Steagall. With all of us being in business, we understand, appreciate and respect the challenges of starting a new business, and a successful one even more so. Every person in our firm today has benefited by what these three men and their families have done for the Blackburn, Childers and Steagall name since 1961. So in conjunction with our “50 Weeks of Giving” celebration, the current partners of BCS this past week established the Blackburn, Childers & Steagall Endowed Scholarship at ETSU in memory of Joe Blackburn and Carl Childers and in honor of Charles Steagall and the three men’s families.

From left: Jane Childers, June Blackburn, Charles Steagall, Linda Garceau (Dean of the ETSU Business Department), and Gary Burkette (Chair of the ETSU Accounting Department).  Portraits of Carl Childers and Joe Blackburn are seen in the background.

From left: Charles Steagall, Jane Childers, June Blackburn, Linda Garceau, and Gary Burkette.  Portraits of Carl Childers and Joe Blackburn are seen in the background.

This week the firm donated furniture to Summit Leadership Foundation in Johnson City.  Summit’s mission is ”To connect Christian leaders in order to empower and equip them to accomplish the work God has called them to do.”  They serve non-profits, churches, and projects that align with Summit’s value system of biblical principals by providing them with the resources they need.  Items we donated include tables, chairs, cubicles, desk  and credenza, and decorative items.

From Cay Greer:

When the partners and managers at BCS decided to celebrate their firm’s 50^th anniversary with 50 Weeks of Giving, I was excited because family members are usually encouraged to be a part of their activities also.

I have already been through my family’s coats, blankets and our non perishable food items. It felt great being able to share what God has so richly blessed us with, but I felt like I still could contribute more.

I joined the Coalition for Kids Board of Directors last year and have since been attending monthly board meetings.  As a first year Board Member I was asked to visit one of the after school programs to experience what the Coalition for Kids is all about. I had my first opportunity two weeks ago with the after school tutoring program at the Coalition for Kids main location called the “Rock” and cannot express how blessed I was that night helping tutor the children. I helped a little girl and a little boy. They both stole my heart when they both wanted me to help them at the same time. One wanted to read to me and the other one wanted me to quiz her for a spelling test. I have found my place where I can give more. Like the employees of BCS I have decided to give back to our community by committing one day a week to the tutoring program at the Coalition for Kids.

Travis McMurray gave the devotion at First Christian Church Sunday. He challenged us to think about the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. He pointed out that the Rich Man did not physically harm Lazarus, he just ignored him. The Rich Man just lived his life without a care for the less fortunate. And we all know where the Rich Man ended up. Living in America almost all of us are rich compared to the rest of the world. This is a wakeup call for all of us to reach out to those in need around us. We all have opportunities to make a difference for those God has placed in our path of life. My prayer is that I will not be like the Rich Man and be so self absorbed that I am indifferent as the Rich Man was to those around me.

I am so thankful my husband, Tommy, works with a wonderful group of people who care about their community and especially for those less fortunate. In today’s secular world it is so refreshing to see a corporate group come together as one to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

In addition to the Blood Drive, Friday was National Wear Red Day to raise awareness for women’s heart disease.  Below are the participants in the Johnson City office.

This Friday, February 4th, we hosted Marsh Regional Blood Center‘s Bloodmobiles at the Johnson City office and at the Kingsport office.  Marsh has reported dangerously low blood supplies due to the recent inclement weather.  Everyone who is eligible is urged to give at this critical time.

The BCS participants in this week’s activities really gave a part of themselves by bleeding for a good cause!