What outstanding folks we have in this area. When our 12 and under Carolina One Volleyball Team qualified for the 2016 USAV Junior Nationals in Indianapolis, and funds were needed in order to participate, we were overwhelmed with support.

First of all, our team parents, led by team mom Lyndsay Earnhardt, stepped in, planned and organized amazing fundraisers, our players and parents all worked hard and the community stepped up big to the plate. I want to thank everyone who participated in our fundraiser activities, donated money, prizes and who in any way helped out the FIRE team.

The Pickens Azalea Festival organizers allowed us to set up a booth to sell raffle tickets and candy. We were also assisted by World’s Finest Chocolate. Bojangles gave us a percentage of sales at our Bojangles Night. The Pickens and Easley Teams at Walmart, along with Eric Butler of the Anderson Walmart, allowed us to set up and collect donations. Off the Wall Monograms helped with water bottles for the team and coaches. Powdersville Embroidery’s John Brouse gave us a great discount on T-shirts.

Former Pickens High volleyball players and other well-wishers contributed to a GoFundMe account for us. We were allowed to use Legacy Square for a very successful yard sale and a Boy Scout Troop whose number I regret I do not have, let us share the Square with them as they washed cars for their own donations.

To everyone who bought raffle tickets, candy, or stuff at the yard sale, gave us donations at Walmart, played in the golf tournament, or helped in any way, thank you all so very much. Our girls were allowed a wonderful experience because of your tremendous generosity.

FIRE did well, going 5-5 in the four day event. We lost close matches to teams from Richland Hills, Texas, Kansas; Griffith, Ind.; Oklahoma; and Buffalo, New York. However we defeated teams from New York City, Amarillo, Texas, Virginia Beach, Delaware; and Plainfield, Ind., finishing 35th out of the top 96 teams in the nation and Puerto Rico. Most importantly, FIRE represented Pickens, Dacusville, and Powdersville with pride, effort, and class and had a wonderful time at Nationals.

Peggy Anthony

Head Coach

Carolina One 12U Black Team — Pickens Division