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TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND CATHERINE DIXON FOR HER LONGTIME EFFORTS, DEDICATION, AND LEADERSHIP IN SUPPORTING BOYS FARM OF NEWBERRY, AND TO WISH HER MUCH HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are delighted to pause in their deliberations to recognize individuals who devote themselves to the service of others. Catherine Dixon, who has worked for the betterment of Boys Farm since she was six years old, is one such person; and
Whereas, Catherine's grandmother, Miriam J. Shuler of Bowman was a dedicated individual who handmade pearl and gold beaded angel pins and Christmas tree ornaments as a way to raise funds to donate to Boys Farm. The first year, she managed to raise one hundred dollars. Each year thereafter, as she continued her efforts, she was able to bring in over one thousand dollars. By the time she passed away, Mrs. Shuler had raised over ten thousand dollars for Boys Farm in order to make a difference in the lives of children in need; and
Whereas, inspired by her grandmother's actions, for her sixth birthday party Catherine chose to plant a magnolia tree, and rather than receive gifts, she asked her friends to place money on the tree, which she then donated to her grandmother's favorite ministry, Boys Farm. For her seventh birthday, she planted a peach tree and once again donated the funds raised to Boys Farm; and
Whereas, that same year, on a trip to Boys Farm with her parents, Catherine met Mr. Michael Davis, the director of Boys Farm. The knowledge of Catherine's efforts had spread through the community, and in recognition, Boys Farm established its First Annual Catherine Dixon Volunteer Day. Over one hundred volunteers showed up to plant trees, build a wishing well, paint cottages, replace flooring, serve food, and help with other needed projects. All made possible with Catherine's birthday donation; and
Whereas, since then, the first Saturday in November has been designated as Catherine Dixon Volunteer Day, and many volunteers of all ages, including the Dixon family, attend to take part in the day's traditions; and
Whereas, as Catherine outgrew her community-wide birthday parties, she began instead to host an annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser at her home church, Macedonia Christian Church, as well as an annual bake sale at her school. Her combined efforts raise between two and three thousand dollars each year; and
Whereas, in the year 2020 as the community grappled with COVID-19, it took some creativity to continue fundraising efforts. Undeterred, the spaghetti dinner was modified for safety, and a raffle with items solicited from local businesses, with all of the proceeds benefitting Boys Farm, was organized. Even with the year's difficulties, over four thousand dollars were raised; and
Whereas, as we approach November of 2021, we also approach what will be the fourteenth annual Catherine Dixon Volunteer Day. In her efforts so far, Catherine has raised more than twenty-six thousand dollars in donations for Boys Farm, the ministry most dear to her and her late grandmother, Mrs. Shuler; and
Whereas, Catherine's tireless work, her kindness, and her generosity are indicative of her tremendous character. Her actions, since she was only six years old, have done much to inspire her community, and the donations she's made and the service projects that have been completed have truly impacted the lives of others in a positive way. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and commend Catherine Dixon for her longtime efforts, dedication, and leadership in supporting Boys Farm of Newberry, and to wish her much happiness and success in all her future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Catherine Dixon.
This web page was last updated on April 29, 2021 at 12:40 PM