Back Row: Beth Ocheo, Vickie Spence, Karlene Welty, Lisa West, Deanna Chastain, Rodney Morgan, Drena Lanier, Marleen Haralson, Tammy Miller. Front Row: Heather Weaver, Rhonda Reardon, Retha Haddock, Sue Morgan, Child: Jennica Weaver and Pat Hickey’s dog: Sally. These are either co-workers or board members of Gordon County Special Olympics and Camp New Adventure Both are United Way agencies in Gordon County.
Long time friend, Retha Haddock, on behalf of Hickey, presented two $13,000 checks each to United Way programs, Camp Adventure and Gordon County Special Olympics, both established for special needs children and adults in Gordon County.
“She always loved kids and the kids that she loved, were the kids that nobody else loved,” said United Way Director Vickie Spence.
Though Hickey passed away in 1984, it was only recently her estate was settled, and on behalf of Pat’s brother, Mike, Haddock presented the check to representatives from both programs.
The contributions passed through the United Way, according to Spence.
“Usually when we get special contributions, they roll into the campaign and are dispersed among the agencies, but this one had very specific direction with it, so we wanted to make sure it went the way it was intended to go,” said Spence
Both organizations will ultimately receive two $13,000 checks each, totaling more than $50,000.
“It brings a special peace of her passing,” said Haddock. “I know this is what she would have wanted. She always went the extra mile for her kids and did whatever they needed her to do. She was an advocate for her students.”
Also in attendance was Pat’s beloved dog Sally, whom was left behind to friends after Pat’s passing.
According to friends at the check presentation, Pat liked to remain behind the scenes and rarely sought accolade for any of her accomplishments, and like her brother Mike, no recognition was desired for the donation, but friends believed Pat made such an impact, people needed to know.
“It’s something that Vickie said to me last week, was that we needed to do this because it was important for people to know what a difference one person can make, and I can’t think of anything that sums up her life better than that because she made such a difference,” said Haddock. “So, today, she is going to continue to impact a lot of people in Gordon County in new ways.”
After presenting the checks, the small group of people in attendance reminisced on the “Hickey-do’s” that comprised Pat, and the Hickey luck that she was so fond of.
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