The March of Dimes is proud to host its 10th Annual Star Regional Brunch and Golf Invitational on Monday, Oct. 1 at the Roanoke Country Club. Brunch and presentations honoring Nancy Agee, Ben Davenport, Jr., and John B. Williamson, III will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the golf tournament, a silent auction, and a reception with awards. This event not only celebrates the contributions that these exceptional business leaders have made to our community, but most importantly, it raises funds for research and programs that help all babies begin healthy lives.

In 2011, The March of Dimes provided over $2.6 million for personal research grants, educational programs, and community service projects throughout the state. Sadly, one in every eight babies continues to be born prematurely. To score a hole-in-one for our mission, our goal for this tournament is to raise $50,000 to assist more than 108,000 babies who are born annually in Virginia, as well as their families.

Among the many golfers who teed up for the first event in 2003 are Star Regional Award Honorees Samuel L. Lionberger, Jr.; Ronald L. Willard, Sr.; Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten; W. Clay Campbell; Edward G. Murphy, M.D.; Garnett E. Smith; Robert C. Lawson, Jr.; John S. Moody; W. Quint Overton; Daniel Carson, Jr.; Eddie F. Hearp; Dr. Raymond D. Smoot, Jr.; Dr. John E. Dooley; John G. Rocovich, Jr.; Mike Warner; Cabell Brand; Norman G. Lineburg; Gordon G. Willis, Sr.; Danielle Yarber; Robert A. Archer; Dr. Joe W. Meredith; Cynthia Shelor; H. Clark “Duke” Curtis; M. Scott Hill; and G. Michael Pace, Jr. Each honoree has the opportunity to nominate another business leader for the following year’s event.

This year we are delighted to honor Nancy Agee, President and CEO of Carilion Clinic. After she achieved degrees with honors from the University of Virginia and Emory University, she began a stellar nursing career at Carilion and became the Vice President of Medical Education in 1996. Following her appointment as Senior Vice President in 2000, she was appointed Executive Vice President and COO in 2001. Ms. Agee rose to the position of President and CEO of Carilion in 2011. She is celebrated for her ardent mission to provide top quality, coordinated, and compassionate care that is centered on each patient’s individual needs. Driven by her desire to serve others, Ms. Agee is committed to facing the challenge of improving health care while reducing costs.

Another prominent member of our business community, Ben Davenport, Jr., is the chairman of First Piedmont Corporation and Davenport Energy, companies that supply numerous services to the Roanoke Valley and the Piedmont region. His father founded Davenport Energy in 1941 to satisfy agricultural and residential demands for fuel oil, and forty years later the company expanded to include propane and service. Following in his father’s footsteps, Mr. Davenport, Jr. has grown the organization to include seven regional offices that serve over 21,000 customers. He serves on the boards of several businesses, including American National Bank, Virginia Early Childhood Development, The institute for Advanced Learning and Research, and VT/Carilion School of Medicine.

John B. Williamson, III has an outstanding record of public service and business leadership. In addition to being the Independent Director of Corning Natural Gas Corporation, Botetourt Bankshares, Inc., and Luna Innovations, Inc., he also serves as the President, CEO, and Head of Media Relations at RGC Resources, Inc. Mr. Williamson also contributes his expertise as Chairman, President, CEO, and CFO at Roanoke Gas Company and Diversified Energy Company. He is also a member of the Board of Directors at Corning Natural Gas, Luna Innovations, Optical Cable, Botetourt Bankshares, Bank of Botetourt, VT Corporate Research Center, the Foundation for Roanoke Valley, and Friendship Foundation. Mr. Williamson has improved business opportunities and public service within the Roanoke Valley by participating in the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership, Total Action Against Poverty, and the Roanoke Valley Business Council.

To honor the exemplary service of these three community leaders, the March of Dimes invites golfers to get on the green as individual players or in foursomes, with a maximum of 30 teams. Fees are $150 per golfer or $600 per team, with the option to purchase mulligans at registration for $20 each. Each player has the chance to win a hole-in-one. Prizes for the lowest team totals will be awarded to the top three teams.

Please join us in celebrating our Star Regional recipients at this exciting event. We greatly appreciate your supporting the mission of the March of Dimes to improve the health of all babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

– Submitted by Martina Cannon