Hometown Heroes

See WBT's 2010 Hometown Hero of the Year

Corey donated $2500 to the charity of his choice. 
The Rock Hill Children's Attention Home was the beneficiary.
 
See our featured heroes from the 2009 Hometown Hero Season.
Thanks to Bank of Commerce, the Hometown Hero Program returns for the 2010 season.  Heroes are around us everyday.  Now more than ever, it’s important for us to recognize the heroes in our communities.  Hero stories are the backbone of the good news on our streets and in our neighborhoods.   This person can simply be an individual who has unique qualities, a good heart, and is a shining example of doing the right thing. Starting in May... one individual like this is recognized on Charlotte's Morning News, where their segment will be read by Al and Stacey on News Talk 1110 WBT and named our WBT Hometown Hero of the Week.  

I am asking you today if you know a person that is your hero and goes above and beyond the call of duty.  Do they go the extra mile to make people’s lives better by their helping efforts or just their smile?I would like to encourage you to nominate them as a WBT Hometown Hero. 



We would love to hear about their good stories.  Please pass this message onto others so we can learn about them and honor even the simplest hero stories.

Hometown Hero of the Week

Hometown Heroes of 2010

  • Hometown Hero for August 27, 2010 is Jason Watson of Charlotte, NC
    Jason Watson is the owner of Dublin Dog and the founder for the Dublin Dog Foundation, an organization that is providing free service dogs for injured war veterans. This year, the Dublin Dog Foundation raised over $2,000 at their annual Comedy benefit in August, to provide a service dog to an injured military war veteran.  The service dogs will be awarded to the Veterans on Veterans Day this year.  The Charlotte non-profit raises money for Freedom Service Dogs and the philanthropic campaign, called “Operation Canine Comrades,” trains and cares for a service dog (including medical bills and food), ...
    more about this hero... →
  • Hometown Hero for August 20, 2010 is Sara Sellers of Charlotte, NC
    Sara has been a tireless volunteer in our community for over 15 years. She has been active in her church, Sardis Presbyterian, by helping out with Room in the In and Friendship Trays. She was previously a teacher and now enjoys tutoring elementary school children at Rama Road, helping them master their reading skills. Sara was a member of the Women’s Science Guild at Discovery Place and helped raise money for education programs and exhibits at the museum. She has taken time to drive oncology patients to chemotherapy; helping to support them on their difficult road. Soon after Katrina hit, ...
    more about this hero... →

Hometown Hero Banquet Photos 2009

No Photos under this photo gallery.
2008 Hometown Hero Banquet  FLIP PHOTOS 
THUMBNAILS

Photo by: WBT
 

Hometown Hero thanks our sponsor...


Hometown Heroes of the Year

2010 Hometown Hero of the Year

Corey Gaitan of Rock Hill, SC.
 

In late July, Corey, a Rock Hill Utilities worker, was stopped for a break at a local convenience store.  While his co-worker went into the store, Corey witnessed a young, blonde-haired girl choking.  Her mother was trying to do the Heimlich maneuver and giving her daughter water.

Corey picked up the little girl, positioned her with her head down and back towards him and slapped her between the shoulder blades several times.  Then he heard something hit the ground.  It was the sucker that had come off of the stick and lodged in the little girl’s throat.

Corey’s co-worker came out of the store to see people circled around.  The little girl’s mother was hugging Corey.  For saving this 6-year old’s life without thinking twice, Corey is our Hometown Hero of the Year.
 

Did you know that out of every person who is CPR certified, only 10% will actually act in an emergency situation?  This percentage is so low, that it is amazing to meet a person who would act so heroicly towards someone they don't even know. And it makes us ask the question: Are we CPR certified? And What would we all do in an emergency situation where someone needs our help?  That's why we think Corey is so special!

2009 Hometown Hero of the Year

The 2009 Hometown Hero of the Year has dedicated his time and efforts to the Ardrey Kell JROTC program, even without a true military program in place.

MSG Kurt Baumgarten of Charlotte, NC.




For the past 4 years, Master Sergeant Baumgarten has completely changed the Ardrey Kell Knights Battalion, with no government funding, and little to no resources.  He has devoted his time to the Knights Battalion, knowing that chances are slim to receive a program for the school. The newest and smallest battalion in the CMS program, has overcome all the odds and WON 3rd Place in the coveted Superintendent Cup of 2009!  This is due to Kurt’s efforts.  As instructor, MSG Baumgarten was named the Instructor of 2009.  He encourages the JROTC members to do their best and they respect him for that.  He says that teamwork is the main ingredient and the main reason for the Knights Battalion’s success in the Humvee Pull and 5K March, where they claimed 2nd place in the whole competition at the 2009 Annual Hopewell High JROTC Raider Meet!

Kurt says it’s all due to teamwork and his support inspires the JROTC members to compete at their highest level.  For this, MSG Kurt Baumgarten is the WBT Hometown Hero of 2009.