Fort Valley State University

The celebrity chef from Savannah known for her heavy southern accent and rich recipes laden in butter stole the show at a fundraiser attended by Dr. Larry E. Rivers and first lady Betty Rivers in Americus recently. Food Network television host Paula Deen headlined the 11th Annual Steak and Stake Fundraiser. The event held Tuesday, June 23 in the Georgia Southwestern University’s Student Success Center assists the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sumter County in Americus. More than 600 attendees helped raise $40,000 for the cause.

FVSU’s first couple was invited to the event by Boys & Girls Club Board Member, Dr. Shirley Reese, health and physical education instructor, Dr. Gregory Green, and FVSU Athletics Director Wilson Gosier, to discuss future fundraising activities for the club. President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter were also special guests.

Deen lit up the room with a keynote address filled with humorous anecdotes about her journey to success. The celebrity chef discussed the tragic death of her parents, the impact of a divorce, parenting, entrepreneurship, overcoming agoraphobia (the fear of open spaces), the new love in her life and stardom. Deen’s message: Never give up.

“All fundraising efforts are aimed at increasing our unrestricted budget. We receive a large portion of grant funding,” said Lori Clemons, chief professional officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Sumter County.

According to Clemons, the chapter is interested in forming a partnership with FVSU next summer to host a youth leadership camp.