The two Rotary Clubs in Statesboro came together on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, to present their Citizen of the Year Award. Bob Olliff, President of the Rotary Club of Statesboro, and Dr. Thad Riley, President of the Rotary Club of Downtown Statesboro, led today's meeting. Dr. Michael Braz provided music prior to the meeting.
Tod Marsh, Food Lion Statesboro Store Manager, introduced his friend Don Poe, Chairman of Feed the Boro, as the 2024 Rotary Citizen of the Year.
In his introduction of Poe, Marsh explained how Feed the Boro is a perfect partner for Food Lion Gives.
"Caring for the communities we serve and our neighbors within them is at the core of everything we do," Marsh said. "Our associates are passionate about putting hope on the table too, and often come together to help support our collective efforts through special projects like Feed the Boro."
Marsh continued, "With Bulloch County's high poverty rate, the mission of Feed the Boro has never been more critical. Under Don's leadership, to date they have conducted 42 monthly food drops and supplied groceries to food insecure families in Bulloch County. With the assistance of Food Lion Feeds and civic organizations such as the Rotary Club, Feed the Boro has provided over 2.3 million meals."
A surprised Don Poe accepted the award and humbly began sharing the mission of Feed the Boro and the importance of partnerships, like the one FTB has with the Rotary Clubs, to their success.
As an emotional Poe's voice cracked, he continued, "I need to have at least a dozen more of these plaques made to share with all the people who really make Feed the Boro a success. I often get the recognition, but I have a great team of volunteers who share my passion in making a difference in our community. I appreciate it and this will be placed in a place of honor in my home."
Poe then recognized his wife Mary and thanked her for all of her support through the years.
Bob Olliff then presented a Paul Harris Fellow in Poe's honor. The Paul Harris Fellow recognizes Rotarians who have made generous contributions to the Rotary Foundation. The clubs jointly made a contribution to do this in Don's name.
A look back at Don Poe's life of leadership
Don Poe was born in Beckley, West Virginia, and is a proud mountaineer who graduated high school in 1972. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1973 and was a member of the Military Police Corps. Don left the Army in 1976 with the rank of Sergeant and returned to West Virginia. He began employment with the City Of Beckley as a police officer and was assigned to narcotics, where he spent two years in narcotics investigation.
In 1984, he relocated to Dallas, Texas, where he met his wife of 39 years, Mary Poe. Together have three sons: Marc, Matthew and Eric and one daughter Letitia. They also have three grandchildren.
Don and Mary relocated to Statesboro in 1994. Don was employed at the time as a National Sales Manager with Patton Wallcoverings, where he managed accounts with well known chains such as Lowes, Home Depot, and Sherwin Williams, along with major independents. Don retired from the wall covering industry in 2020.
Don has always been active in the community. From Cub and Boy Scout leadership as well as youth programs, mission trips (domestic and international), to disaster relief work, he continues to make a difference outside of his commitments to Feed the Boro.
He previously received the Deen Day Smith Award for Service to Mankind for his work with youth programs in our community.
He currently serves as Vice President for Bulloch V.O.A.D. (Volunteers Organized Against Disaster.)
Don also serves with the Honor Flight organization, which takes Veterans to Washington, D.C., to see memorials erected in their honor. This is done at no cost to the veterans.
Don is a former member of the Statesboro Kiwanis Club. He served as Kiwanis Fair Chairman in 2010 and 2011 and was the founder of the Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo in 2010. He served as Rodeo Chairman until 2014. He was awarded Kiwanian of the Year in 2011 and the Walter Zeller Fellowship Award in 2012.
He served as a Board member of the Statesboro Food Bank from 2014-2016 and as president of the food bank from 2014-2016.
In 2016, he began as the Chairman of Feed the Boro. In 2020, with the ravages of Covid on many, Don and his committee began a series of monthly 1,000-family food drops.
Under his leadership, they have conducted 42 monthly food drops and supplied food to insecure families in Bulloch County with the assistance of Food Lion Feeds, Second Harvest Food Bank, and sponsorships from individuals, businesses, and civic organizations.
In 2021, Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar presented Don and Feed the Boro with the Key to Statesboro for their work during the peak of Covid shutdowns.
His work with Feed the Boro continues with the next food drop scheduled for Saturday, May 4th at Statesboro High School.
Former Recipients of Rotary Citizen of the Year Award
The Rotary Citizen of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious civic awards given annually. Seven of the living past recipients were in attendance today including:
- 1991 - Ellis Wood
- 2012 - Ray Hendley
- 2014 - Charles Sikes
- 2017 - Jimmy High
- 2019 - Roy and Deborah Thompson
- 2021 - Dr. Jack Proctor
- 2023 - Senator Billy Hickman
