Macon Magazine

COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund Sometimes the best partnerships are formed at the most unlikely times. Such is the case with Kathryn Dennis and George McCanless and the organizations they lead. "When the COVID-19 threat caused our schools and businesses to close and frankly, shut down life as we knew it, Kathryn and George – and the organizations they lead – came together to create a fund that would quickly respond to our community's most pressing needs," said Karen Lambert, president of the Peyton Anderson Foundation. As president of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Dennis knew that working together was the only way for Central Georgians to survive the health and economic crisis caused by the pandemic. McCanless, president and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia, agreed. "We are facing unprecedented challenges in our community as we confront the COVID-19 emergency and it's important we do it together," he said. In mid-March, Lambert said the state and national philanthropic sector was already buzzing with ideas and discussions about how to join together to best serve their respective communities. The Community Foundation and United Way joined together to quickly establish the COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund. Several foundations contributed to the fund, including Peyton Anderson Foundation, as well as businesses and individuals. "Since that time, Kathryn and George have led dozens of meetings with nonprofits, the public sector, philanthropic leaders and community volunteers as they continue to identify, understand and respond to the unmet needs in the best way possible," Lambert said. "I applaud them for coming together in the midst of a crisis to act fast, working above and beyond, both strategically and collaboratively. Because of this dedication to giving back, our local nonprofits can continue serving the unmet needs of our community in an unsettling time." Dennis said that partnering with McCanless and United Way has enabled the two organizations to "leverage resources, relationships and incredible staff members to deploy money quickly to those organizations on the frontlines helping those with the greatest needs." "Seeing first-hand the generosity of so many and watching nonprofit leaders innovate and collaborate has been bright spots during the crisis," she said. McCanless echoed her optimism: "I believe our collaborative spirit will survive this pandemic event and will be part of the new nonprofit muscle that speeds our recovery."—Lisa Pritchard Mayfield MARSHALL TALLEY Even as a student with Marshall Talley at Northeast Health Science Magnet High School in the early 2000s, Aminah Dixon considered him a hero. Now, almost 20 years later, she said the term applies even more as Talley has become a community-minded leader and has founded Registered and Ready, the Bibb- Macon County voter registration initiative designed to promote civic engagement within the black community. "Marshall was charismatic and could bring people together. It's encouraging to see him using his gifts now to help our community," Dixon said. After time at college in Albany and Atlanta, Talley's entrepreneurial bent led him to work in Atlanta's nightlife scene. In 2010, he returned to Macon forming Cheers Entertainment Services to provide bar management and event planning. He got involved helping others through food distribution and an anti-violence campaign. In 2018, he made an unsuccessful bid for a spot on the Macon Water Authority. "I didn't win, but really it wasn't unsuccessful," Talley said. "I got 17 percent of the vote, which was unheard of for someone like me – and it taught me a lot." It was then Talley said he and club owners decided to use their connections and influence to promote engagement and voting. "I give him credit for ... making voting cool in people's eyes," Dixon said. "That's really what he's done. He has a long-term vision for Macon and getting people involved is part of that." Sheknita Davis leads Macon's People's Advocacy Group and said Talley has a heart for the betterment of others. "A hero has the courage to overcome obstacles and serves those around them," she said. "That fits Marshall. He has that kind of heart and has been involved with people and youth as well as Registered and Ready." Talley said his desire for change motivates him. "I'd rather be someone to help get things in order and see positive change than one of those who just complains and turns their back on problems," he said.—Michael W. Pannell 18

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