Dear Citizens of Lincoln County,

Thank you for your time and attention to this letter. Before we go any further, I would like to let you know who I am. My name is Jerry E. Kelly Jr. I am the senior pastor of City of Grace Church in Brookhaven. My church and I seek to serve the community at large so that all will know that the love of God is real and is shown through the actions of men. I was once a youth growing up in the heart of Lincoln County, so it is not grievous for me to come back and serve.

I write because the recent and untimely death of three bright young men, namely Shaquan Richardson, Javonta Dickey and Peyton Flowers in Lincoln County struck me in my core. Although I am not connected to either of them through family or other ties, my heart goes out to a life terribly shortened. It is heavy on me to honor the lives and the legacies they are leaving behind. Although they were young the marks they leave are apparent. I am committing my time and talents to make sure these young men are remembered.

That, my friend, is where you can help. I have decided with the blessing of their parents, to start an annual scholarship fund in their honor entitled “The Richardson, Dickey, & Flowers 54442 Athletic Scholarship.” The scholarship will go to positive, talented young men and women who have similar lives as the fallen. Our aim is to give them a hand up in pursuing the dreams to which these three young men never got the chance.

Although the scholarship is a community service, it is a completely all-volunteered fund. We need your help. My ministry and I will be hosting HOOPS N HAVEN Basketball Tournament. It will take place July 18 at Lipsey Middle School Gymnasium at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from this even will go toward our Child First Project. This project is to help and support under privileged youth in our area and The Richardson, Dickey, & Flowers 54442 Athletic Scholarship.

I am reaching out to local businessmen and women to contribute to this cause so that we can make difference in the futures of those that represent the hope of ours. Your investment can be as small or as large as you’d like. Any share given will be honored, and you will be greatly appreciated. I pray that you are in agreement.

Please know that I and my staff have made ourselves available to assist in any way we can. We are small in number, but vow to be might in strength and heart. Please feel free to contact us at pastorjekelly@gmail.com or Richardsondickeyflowers19@gmail.com if you have any questions and/or concerns.

Thank you for your time, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Very truly yours,

Pastor Jerry Kelly