With chili dogs and ice cream floats, the Treutlen House board of directors offered a thank you to a community that answered their call for help.

The Treutlen House, cast adrift by Morning Star late last year, raised more than $140,000 to keep its doors open. The home for boys had set a goal of $50,000, with the promise of a matching gift from an anonymous donor. Coupled with the matching gift, the Treutlen House raised $146,941.

“We can never say ‘thank you’ enough,” said Mose Mock, chairman of the home’s board of directors. “I’m amazed. It’s beyond our expectations.”

Mock said he less worried about the ability to raise the money needed than the transition from Morning Star’s operation.
“Once we got rolling, I had a real peace we’d get there,” he said.

Even with his confidence that the Treutlen House would hit its fundraising target, the final total was a shock to Mock.

“It blew our mind,” he said. “I told the board, ‘we’re going to get it,’ but I never dreamed we’d get that. But we’ve got to keep going.”

The board of directors has set a goal of $100,000 for this year and is continuing its talks with the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries and The Methodist Home for Children and Youth.

“They’re the top two groups in the state,” Mock said.

The group — and those who pitched in for its drive — drew praise from state Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville), the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“I want to salute you, first of all in coming together to build this facility and to have a place for the children of our area,” he said. “You see what a community is behind us.

“This community, when it gets behind anything, can’t be stopped.”