Monday, Jul. 13, 2009

Columbia businessman to spearhead fundraising

Columbia resident Deepal Eliatamby has been named chairman of the American Red Cross Regional Heroes Campaign.

The campaign — which covers Red Cross chapters serving 28 S.C. counties — seeks to raise $594,000 in the coming year to support services within those communities.

As regional chairman, Eliatamby will direct the upcoming fundraising efforts.

“The Red Cross does so much and touches so many lives,” said Eliatamby, who is president of Alliance Consulting Engineers in Columbia. “I’m a strong believer in giving back to your local community, and this is a great way to get involved to support our neighbors.”

The campaign is seeking contributions from businesses, school groups, church groups, civic organizations and individuals.

Funds will support disaster relief, fire victim assistance, emergency military communications, first aid and CPR training, and disaster preparedness. All money will remain in local communities.

To learn more about the Heroes Campaign or to make a donation, call (803) 540-1225; give online at centralscredcross.org; or send a check to American Red Cross P.O. Box 91, Columbia, SC 29201.

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Retired Richland County Sheriff’s Deputy Dennis Craig has been named to the S.C. Sheriffs’ Association’s Legion of Honor.

Craig, who now lives in Georgia, was in Columbia last week and was recognized by Sheriff Leon Lott before several former and current deputies.

Craig worked in law enforcement most of his adult life and was an undercover narcotics agent with Richland County from 1970-79. He also worked for the S.C. Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

After retiring from law enforcement, he served as a high school teacher until about five years ago.

Craig also served in the 101st Army Airborne Division during the Vietnam War.

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