Georgia Tech is No. 1 in at least one poll. Kyle Smith III, a Tech alumnus, has seen to that, at the same time tossing out a challenge to other college alumni and fans in the county, with the emphasis on grads of Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Conference schools.

“Let’s find out if all these UGA alums are mutts or Bulldogs,” says Smith, tongue firmly in cheek. “I’m challenging alumni and fans of opposing colleges, using football polls as a theme, to beat us – Georgia Tech alumni and fans – to raise money for The Harris Arts Center.”

Smith has put the buzz in Yellow Jackets by donating $1,000 just to get things started.

Thus, what has been given the title The College Challenge Poll, now reads:

1. Georgia Tech

2. 25-way tie, if you count all other colleges with alumni in the county (estimated)

“It’s a fun thing, but at the same time, very serious,” says Smith. “We need funds to keep The Harris Arts Center going. This ‘poll’ seems a fun and interesting way to help.”

Smith and Harris Arts Center officials are calling for team captains, or alumni from all SEC, ACC and other representatives from colleges in the area to join the campaign. The College Challenge Poll will run through the month of October.

The prize will be a big tail gate party at the Arts Center, with entertainment. Major donors also will receive a free brick on which they can apply a name or message. These bricks will be placed in front of the Arts Center during Streetscape, which begins in 2010.

Donations totaling $1,000 represents a touchdown and a place in the poll.

It is all part of a massive fund-raising effort by The Center under the working title, “In for Ten,” a recognition of the fact that the Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Generally, emphasis will be placed on donations by fans of the arts of at least $10, or 10 times 10 times 10, as in the case of the College Challenge Poll.

“This, indeed, is our 10th anniversary year, and we obviously have something to celebrate,” says Kyle Smith Jr., who with wife Vivian, is co-chairman of the Arts Council. “This building has been a vital, compelling part of our community. People from other cities and towns envy us because of this venue which has hosted so many entertaining events and has enlightened and thrilled so many visitors with a myriad of classroom activities and the Roland Hayes museum. We have so very much going for us that we want to, have to, maintain in a positive, active manner.”

The brick campaign, operating under the theme “Bricks With a Beat” also offers prizes and rewards with commemorative purchases denoting a numerical equivalent of 10 making the buyer eligible for tickets to future events, along with CDs of performers who have played the Arts Center. Mrs. Gary Pettit of Calhoun recently purchased the 10th brick sold and will receive two tickets to a future event of her choice.

Country- Western singer Faye Pierce recently performed a benefit for the Center as has Nathan Sexton, who hosted a CD Release musical program. The next Calhoun Little Theater performance will be “Smoke on the Mountain,” Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25 and Nov. 1.

Persons who desire to be involved in The College Challenge Poll or who want to purchase a commemorative brick ($75) or, perhaps, enroll in one of numerous classes – for adults and children -- should visit the Arts Center or call 706-629-2599.