Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon issued a proclamation on behalf of the City of Gainesville Wednesday, Feb. 8, to declare Feb. 23 as Randy & Friends Day.
Randy & Friends, Inc. is a faith-based, non-profit organization that provides adults with special needs opportunities to become independent, contributing members of society. The ministry focuses on teaching new life skills and developing friendships.
Randy & Friends, Inc. was founded by Marty Owens and her son, Randy Owens. Randy was involved in an accident at two years old that left him paralyzed with a traumatic brain injury. After Randy graduated high school, he and his mother recognized a need to help individuals with special needs thrive after graduation. In 2012, the pair began their non-profit at Lakewood Baptist Church; however, the organization has since grown into serving the Gainesville-Hall County community.
Randy & Friends Day will fall on the same day as the non-profit’s annual fundraising dinner, which serves as a time for the community to pledge support to the organization. The public is welcome to attend a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at First Baptist Church in Gainesville (751 Green Street NW).
Tickets to the fundraising dinner may be purchased by phone at 470-941-7014; by email to [email protected]; or by visiting the organization’s website.
