On behalf of Leadership Natchez and the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce, I would like to give heartfelt thanks to the Natchez residence for making our fundraising dinner for Pleasant Acres Day School on Friday, April 27 such a success.

Because of your support we have raised more than $20,000 of the $33,000 needed to fund the renovation of Pleasant Acres Day School. The fundraising dinner was a superb success and included a reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing with special guest speakers Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and First Lady Marsha Barbour.

Thank you to all who attended. The number of individuals and organizations that contributed auction items and purchased sponsorship tables for the dinner were too numerous to mention and speak highly for the generosity of our community. We would like to recognize Natchez Community Hospital, our double platinum sponsor and our platinum sponsors which include Natchez Regional Medical Center, Miss-Lou Cardiology Center, Dr. John Wright and United Mississippi Bank.

As you may know, the Leadership Natchez program was introduced by the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce to identify leaders from various segments of the community and provide them an opportunity to gain knowledge of Natchez-Adams County, while increasing awareness of specific needs and opportunities in it.

Each year, service projects are developed by leadership teams that address identified needs in our area. This year, the Leadership class selected Pleasant Acre Day School as its project recipient. Pleasant Acre Day School, founded in 1959, is the only school in the Miss-Lou that provides life skills and life enrichment for mentally and physically challenged adults who require a permanently sheltered environment aside from that offered by an institution or their families.

There are still plenty of opportunities to contribute to this great cause.

We are still accepting donations to help fund the renovation and are counting on the generosity and expertise of the community to assist us in the renovation project. Please feel free to contact any member of Leadership Natchez if you would like to contribute to this worthy cause.

This year’s class included, John Lee, co-chairman; John Ballard, Family Medical Center; Kenny Dukes, Natchez Regional Medical Center; Gregory Foster, Natchez Community Hospital; Wanda Frye, Natchez Community Hospital; Tina Kaho, United Mississippi Bank; Patricia Lozon, Isle of Capri; Janifer Robinson, AmSouth Bank; Debbie Smith, United Mississippi Bank; Fred Westermeyer, Isle of Capri; Marcus White, Natchez-Adams County School District.

Jaki Robinson is the chairman of Leadership Natchez Class of 2006-2007.