This is the third column in a series on outstanding people who give much of their time, talent and treasure in support of good causes in our area.

In past articles I saluted Ann Boardman, Doug Barnard, Jane Howington, Randy Smith, Clay Boardman, Clint Bryant, Terry Elam, Tamara Toogood, John Smith, Doug Hastings, Mary Kathleen Blanchard, Willie Battle, Shirley Lester, Joann Tarver, Richard Rogers, Martha Scroggs, Richard Jadick, Deke Copenhaver and two who sadly no longer grace us with their presence: Hamp Walker and Ed Cashin.

HERE IS THE LATEST list of really good folks. I hope that by highlighting these outstanding citizens others will follow their pattern of gracious and generous service to our community.

- Boone Knox. Boone seems to be involved in almost every major fund-raising effort in this area. As the leader of the Kroc Center fund-raiser, he has taken on a major challenge. His great strengths are twofold -- first, getting people from outside the CSRA to contribute; and second, getting people and organizations to make very large commitments.

- Pete Caye. Watching Pete Caye raise funds for the Fisher House and the Kroc Center is a real eye-opener. He cuts through the bureaucracy, sets short deadlines, asks really big, knows how to find generous people, reaches outside of the CSRA and has a "we gotta get this done" approach that is truly infectious. I wish we could clone him.

- Julia Jackson. Julia's energy, leadership skills and creativity are very impressive. Her work with Historic Augusta and in the management of the new upper rooms at Saint Paul's church are especially noteworthy.

- Donnie Thompson. Civic-minded and very generous with his time and treasure, Donnie is also very creative. His Thunder Over Augusta extravaganza is a gift to the CSRA and a salute to our military men and women, wounded warriors and veterans. This event takes place this Saturday -- don't miss it. Be sure to stay for the fantastic fireworks display. Last year's was the best I have ever observed.

- Rick Allen. Rick is a strong supporter of the Boy Scouts, Christ Community Health Services, the Augusta Museum of History and many other institutions and causes.. This year he has volunteered to be chairman of the Tocqueville Society of the United Way (for donors who contribute above $10,000). If you wish to make a good man very happy, please contact Rick at rallen@rwallen.com.

- Dan Blanton. As one of the most successful of our local bankers, Dan gets asked for funds on an almost daily basis. He and his board consistently have shown an impressive spirit of community support and generosity.

- Laurie Ott. This human dynamo devotes her life to helping our wounded warriors and their families. She is very creative, cuts through bureaucracy and seeks out people who know how to get things done. She has had extended meetings with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and later with his wife. Laurie has energized them both to do more for our military families in the CSRA and throughout America.

- Tyrone Butler. What Tyrone has accomplished at the Augusta Mini Theater in the past 30 years has been amazing. This agency offers dance, drama, visual arts and music under one roof. The Mini Theatre gives special attention to the artistic needs of underserved segments of the community. Tyrone's sustained leadership and creativity makes him a model citizen that many can emulate.

- Carolyn Dolen. This high-energy leader is making major contributions to the CSRA with her work with the Jessye Norman School of the Arts, the Rachel Longstreet Foundation, two local churches and the Augusta Choral Society. Incidentally, don't miss the choral society's Memorial Day concert at Sacred Heart at 7:30 p.m. May 23rd -- very patriotic and uplifting.

- Tom Matthews. After a very successful business career, Tom moved to Aiken a few years ago. He soon got involved in community activities. He has given solid support for the Fisher House, the Aiken's Marine Corps League scholarship program and the Boy Scouts. As chairman of the board of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, Tom is deeply committed to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor and meeting the needs of the living recipients and their families.

- Bo Bovard. An enthusiastic supporter of the Boy Scouts and other worthy causes, Bo also has been involved in both the Fisher House and Kroc Center capital campaigns. He recently played an important role in the revitalization of the Kiwanis Club of Augusta as it moved to its new location in the River Room at Saint Paul's church.

- Bill Geiger. Bill made a major commitment to the Fisher House in 2008, and when we were getting close to reaching our goal he sent in another big check. Also, he has visited the wounded warriors on a regular basis both at Eisenhower hospital at Fort Gordon and at the Active Duty Rehabilitation Unit at the uptown VA.

FINALLY, A QUICK update on the Fisher House and the Kroc Center. Both capital campaigns have made amazing progress in recent months. As was announced Monday, the Kroc Center Capital Campaign has passed the halfway mark.

The Fisher House Over the Top Event last month was a huge success and ground breaking is expected in September. As Lee Smith, who heads the CSRA Community Foundation, told me recently: It says a lot about generosity throughout the CSRA that these two major campaigns are having such success in these difficult economic times.