Rockdale Cares, a non-profit that provides care for adults and children with developmental disabilities, awarded the sixth annual Jarnett Wigington Award to Ga. Sen. Ronald Ramsey, Sen. Rick Jeffares, and Ga. Rep. Pam Dickerson for their role in reinstituting $50,000 that had been cut from the $100,000 allotment to Rockdale Cares in the state budget during the 2014 legislative session. The award is named after late Rockdale Cares board member Jarnett Wigington, who epitomized community service, said Rockdale Cares board chairman Dave Buser. Wigington’s son, former Sheriff Jeff Wigington, widow Jo Wigington, and daughter in law Beth Wigington were on hand March 24 to present the awards to the legislators at the Haven House respite home in the Light House Village.

Dickerson, Jeffares and Ramsey gave great credit to Rockdale Cares Director Barbara Kilpatrick’s persistence. “I’m so happy we were able to make a difference in the lives of the people here,” said Dickerson.

(Left to right) Beth Wigington, Jo Wigington, Sen. Rick Jeffares, Rep. Pam Dickerson, Sen. Ronald Ramsey and Jeff Wigington.