Although Tommie Culligan has lived in Aiken for nearly five years, she feels she's been part of the community for a long time.
"I really feel we have been welcomed with open arms by everyone in Aiken, and I want to give back," she said.
Mrs. Cullligan volunteers with area organizations, including the Aiken Downtown Development Association, which was one of the first agencies she supported after moving to the area.
A former business owner in New Jersey, Mrs. Culligan said she believes organizations that support small businesses are important.
"We had a Main Street program (in New Jersey), and it made an incredible difference in my business," she said.
Owners are trying to make their businesses grow and shouldn't have to worry about the other businesses around them, she said. An organization such as the association makes sure all downtown businesses are promoted, taking some of that stress away.
Mrs. Culligan works on the planning side of many events, such as Holly Days, Taste of Downtown Aiken, Downtown After 6 and the annual murder mystery fundraiser.
Carla Cloud, the development association's executive director, said she doesn't like having to repeatedly ask volunteers to help.
"Tommie's so good about asking me and stepping up to the plate," she said. "ADDA could not do events and succeed without these volunteers."
In addition to her work with the downtown association, Mrs. Culligan has been chairwoman of the annual Aiken Garden Show in May.
Plans are already in the works for the next garden show, she said.
"We are planning for it on Mother's Day weekend," she said. "It will be great for the vendors to sell for Mother's Day."
She also works with Habitat for Humanity on its Women's Build. She said she likes to be able to see the family she's helping.
"Oftentimes, it's a single mother, who wants to clean, safe place to raise her family. I think it's such a need," she said.
Also, she helps the Child Advocacy Center of Aiken County with its annual Blue Jeans and Black Ties fundraiser.
Mrs. Culligan is a member of the Palmetto Sertoma Club and the Sand River Women's Club.
Reach Charmain Brackett at charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: TOMMIE CULLIGAN
NAME: Tommie Culligan
ORGANIZATIONS: Aiken Downtown Development Association, Child Advocacy Center of Aiken County, Habitat for Humanity, Palmetto Sertoma Club and Sand River Women's Club
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: Mrs. Culligan said she wants to give back to a community that has welcomed her with open arms.
NOMINATOR'S QUOTE: "Tommie's statement to me has been she is so blessed to live in the community, she has to give back," said Carla Cloud, the executive director of the association.
WHAT IS COMMUNITY COUNTS?
Community Counts is The Augusta Chronicle's new collaborative effort to benefit the communities in our area. This multi-tiered program of involvement includes contests, events, sponsorships and recognition of outstanding youths, teachers, volunteers and public servants in the Augusta area.
Nomination forms are available online at augustachronicle.com/communitycounts or e-mail charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.
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