Community unites to aid Family of Drowning Victim

The Chattooga River community will gather August 3 to hold a benefit for the four surviving children of a Tampa, Florida rafter who died in a commercial rafting adventure on June 19. Tom Hill, regional sales manager for Sherwin Williams, drowned on the river and his body was removed from the river on July 5 after more than 500 rescuers from two states responded to aid in the recovery. The “Tom Hill Memorial Concert and Rescuers Recognition” event will be held Saturday, August 3 from 4-9pm at Owen Stadium adjacent to the West-Oak Middle School in Westminster. A car show and barbecue supper will also be available. Musical artists include 15-year-old sensation Jaycie Ward who has appeared with artists Martina McBride, Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum among others, Chatuga Ridge Band with Mark and Jody Lusk, vocalist Kim Conn of Greenville and others.  An account for the Hill family is being established at a local bank and that all proceeds will go to the account.  The goal is to raise $10,000 to help establish an education fund for the children who are all of school age.