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Another Mack-Dupree challenge

Mar 19, 2010

— The Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross kicked off its 2010 “Heroes” fundraising campaign with a short press conference Monday at its downtown Laurel offices.
Peggy Owens-Mansfield, executive director of the Pine Belt chapter, said the organization hopes to raise at least $40,000 through “Heroes,” which asks area schools, businesses and individuals to donate $1,000.
“I’m glad today to have hair,” she said. “Last year, I was recovering from cancer. We’re working to get $40,000, but we would love to get $50,000.”
Owens-Mansfield said the Pine Belt Chapter, working with the South Central Chapter in Hattiesburg, hopes to raise a total of $80,000.
Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack and Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny Dupree have challenged each other to raise the most, with the loser wearing the jersey of the winner’s hometown school. The two are notorious for trading good-humored barbs – and a side bet – the week of the “Little Brown Jug” during the football season.
“I’m going to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee,” Mack said during Monday’s press conference. “I can’t wait to get even with Johnny Dupree.”
Mack credited the American Red Cross for coming to the city’s aid in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina.
“I was in office just 55 days when Katrina struck,” he said. “I was lost for words, lost for help and Peggy came for help. Before the lights came on and the police cars started running, she was there. She was on the front lines doing everything for everybody.”
Mack said contributing to the “Heroes” campaign is one way to “give back to an organization that has done a lot for people.”
“I assure you that I will not be wearing a Tiger uniform,” he said.
In a press release also issued Monday, Owens-Mansfield said several area schools, businesses and other groups have already gotten on board.
“But we need more people to step up and be a Hero,” she said. “Last year, we had several churches and support from area schools as well and that is what we need. Stringer Attendance has already agreed to be a Hero and some money is already coming in from Wayne County High, West Jones High, Taylorsville High and Raleigh High.”
Owens-Mansfield praised those who have given to the Haiti relief effort through the American Red Cross, but noted that this fundraiser is for local support.
“We’ve had over $150,000 come through this local chapter for Haiti and we will honor donor intent,” she said. “But, the Heroes money is strictly for the local chapter, right here. I like to call it neighbors helping neighbors.”
Billy and Linda Howard of Howard Industries, this year’s honorary chairs, could not attend Monday’s event. However, an added attraction was a performance by several area cheerleaders, who put together a cheer for the occasion.
To learn more about becoming a 2010 Hero for the American Red Cross or to make a donation to the Hero of your choice, visit www.redcross-heroes.com or contact Peggy Owens-Mansfield at the Pine Belt Chapter at 601-426-9071 or peggyom@c-gate.net

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