God's Pit Crew receives Ashby award in Danville

After being in the running since 2009, God’s Pit Crew was honored with the B.R. Ashby, M.D., award for “outstanding community service” Thursday and given a $50,000 grant.

Set up through the Danville Regional Foundation, the Ashby award is named for Dr. B.R. Ashby, the first DRF chairman, who was present for the ceremony. DRF Executive Director Karl Stauber said there were 27 Ashby award nominations for 17 different organizations this year.

The winner must be a non-profit located in Danville, Pittsylvania County or Caswell County, N.C.

God’s Pit Crew Director Randy Johnson said they were nominated before and really wanted to get the award. But he knew there were a lot of excellent service organizations also in the running and was “shocked” when the news broke that God’s Pit Crew was the honoree.

In his acceptance speech, Johnson said God’s Pit Crew was able to help people all over the world in places like Haiti and Japan, but it was not possible without all of the volunteers and the help of people in the Dan River Region.

“We may touch people in other states, but we will always come back home to help our community,” said Johnson.

A faith-based non-profit organization, God’s Pit Crew provides services and disaster relief to people in need.

In 2011, it donated to more than 170 local non-profit agencies in Southside. It helped remodel two Pittsylvania County homes for two single mothers who needed housing. It built and furnished a home for a local wounded soldier and his family. And it has sent volunteers all over the world to provide aid to people suffering from natural disasters.

The $50,000 grant goes to God’s Pit Crew’s general operating expenses.

Ashby said he was honored to have his name associated with the organization. An advisory committee of four community members and a DRF board representative selects the grantee. The winner must be nominated by someone who is not a paid staff member at the organization.

For more information about this award and grant opportunities, contact DRF’s Starling McKenzie at (434) 483-4273 or smackenzie@drfonline.org.