There is an immense number of people to whom we owe acknowledgements and thanks.  It's not possible to name them all here, but we have included some who have been especially helpful and who have earned recognition by receiving some of our noted awards.

CANDLER BUDD AWARD

Through the help of many over twenty nine years, Mountain Top has been able to provide a safe haven for boys who come from unfortunate circumstances.  Gifts, both large and small, consisting of everything from needed items to financial and, most important, time in both prayer and service have made the difference in Mountain Top’s struggle.  Often a prayer given long away from the mountain has made the difference.

There are some who have a vision for excellence in youth development that exceeds the dreams of others.  Such was the life of Dr. Candler Budd, who had the idea that this property could be a source of family enrichment to those in need.  It is in the spirit of Dr. Budd that an award was created to honor those who have, over a period of time, consistently been important in the ability of Mountain Top to continue.

 

 Below is our hall of fame.
These recipients have all been important to making our years of service to youth possible.

ROBERT & POLLY DUNN FOUNDATION

If it were not for the Dunn Foundation we could have easily folded our tent.  Their gifts have been consistent and timely.  However, most importantly, their gifts have been from their hearts.  With the uncertainty of state funding our income has dropped while the needs of the boys they send us have increased.  Thanks to the Dunn Foundation, Mountain Top has continued to be able to make a difference.

NORTH COBB ROTARY

For twenty-one years during most of the life of the boy’s home our annual fall bar-b-que has been the focal gathering point for Mountain Top.  This event has been our home coming and show time.  Many years when times were tough, as they are now, the one bright spot has always been the BBQ hosted by those great hearts at North Cobb Rotary.  They have also provided dependable financial support.

PEACHTREE ROAD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

 Leadership in funding Mountain Top projects such as Dogwood Lodge, our state of the art boys home, the nearly half mile of road construction, the current administrative / bunkhouse building and the amphitheater has been a direct result of Peachtree Road’s early and deep commitment.  This dynamic church also is a dependable and significant contributor to the annual operating budget.  For almost twenty years Peachtree Road has also been a major contributor of volunteer time.  Love for Mountain Top runs deep in this gracious church.

BOBBYE HARRIS

 

Mountain Top is part of Bobbye's community, and the boys are her neighbors.  She is as concerned for their welfare and enrichment as if they lived next door.  She knows community!   Thank you so much Bobbye.

 

 

Bobbye Harris has taken Mountain Top into the depth of her heart and we are blessed for that. She is private about her community service; she is studious in her decisions; and she is dedicated when she chooses her causes.  Below are a few words from her friends that best show how her community reveres her:

Lynn Barlow – I first met Bobbye thirty-three years ago.  It changed my life forever.  From the first time we met I have had the deepest respect and admiration for her.  She is one of the most thoughtful people I have ever met.  I am fortunate to have her as a very dear friend.

Pat Lewis – Bobbye Harris is a thoughtful, yet unassuming person.  While her demeanor is very private her reach is very public.  She cares deeply about the quality of life in our area as evidenced by her civic involvement and her significant contribution to her neighbors, both the two legged and four legged variety.  It is a privilege to be counted among her two legged friends.

Billie Jean Erwin – Bobbye has always been generous for she is passionate about making a difference in the lives of people and animals.  She is witty and a smart woman who is fun to share time with and her friends adore her.  I am glad Mountain Top is honoring her.  She does not seek recognition for what she does, but I do not know of anyone who deserves thanks and praise better than her.

 

 

A LIFETIME REWARDED

Once in a lifetime an individual who can make a difference becomes involved with a program such as Mountain Top and forever enhances its future.  When Burt Bridges first came to the mountain he began to make a difference.  Burt Bridges was a Boy Scout and today is a poster image of what all young men can become.  You may need reminding that a Scout must be: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and most important Reverent.  All who know Burt and read this can firmly place each of these in his character and life.  Burt is certainly the man that his mom dreamed that her son would become.

 

For nearly thirty years Mountain Top has been a citadel for raising the hopes of young men.  However, since Burt’s appearance on the board of directors the changes on the mountain have been exceptional.  He began by challenging the board to excel.  Next he went to work improving the facilities with always an eye on the best interest of the boys.  First came the school building, and then next was a new home for the boys, Dogwood Lodge, a state of the art home that includes a separate apartment for house parents.  This departure from the old home allowed a couple on site to create a family atmosphere for the boys.

 

The leadership to move Mountain Top to this was through Burt’s ability to expect and motivate those around him to be the best they could be.  His tenacity toward the excellence of Mountain Top is special.  Those of us who have been fortunate enough to be part of that experience are most grateful.  At the end of the day, it is Burt who has been the single most important factor in the success of Mountain Top.  For this we are eternally grateful and award him an Honorary Lifetime Board Member.

 

Thank you, Burt.

 		 

 

Other Acknowledgements

We would like to thank some other special groups who have recently performed some needed and highly appreciated service to Mountain Top.
(Click on any photo below to enlarge it)

JOHNS CREEK UNITED METHODIST
A Great Day of Service on the Mountain is One to Remember.


The Benchers
Bottom L/R - Yvette Chandler, Nicholas Chandler,
Danielle Fanning, Henry Henry Dorking.
Middle L/R – Alice Dorking, Allan Chandler,
Leo Fanning, Keith Dorking, Roddy Clark.
Back L/R – Sara Clark, Vicki Fanning.
Team Working Hard


Mountain Top is for lovers

Good eats for hard work!

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CHILDREN IN WILDERNESS

New Hope UMC enjoys the mountain on a summer day.  They gave our staff an A+ for their hospitality and hikes.  It was great to hear the laughter of children enjoying the woodland experience.

Our wilderness program takes groups of young girls and boys from city environments and gives them a quick course in nature through the grand natural display on parade on our five hundred acre Mountain Top Campus.  Our bunk house, one mile Azalea Trail, and adjoining three thousand acres of national forest give an opportunity for young boys and girls to comfortably be immersed into the wonders of nature that are only myths to city children.  This program is available to all children.


New Hope UMC participants
rode the McEachern UMC Bus
What a partnership!

Just a bug!
Eighteen New Hopers
with trail guide Marty

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ST. PAUL ON THE MOUNTAIN

Crisp mountain air, clear skies, bright stars, incredible spring water and a comfortable rocking chair – all things St. Paul UMC’s men’s work party found on the front porch of Oakleaf Lodge the Friday night before Thanksgiving.  Some of the guys had driven up after work and had expected to stay in the bunkhouse where they had slept ‘rustic’ on previous trips.  Instead they had the opportunity to stay in Oakleaf Lodge and found the accommodations to be exceptional.  Comfortable beds provided deep sleep – God’s tonic for the tired.  It was great to work hard and then be able to crash in the arms of fresh linens and comfortable facilities.  Saturday dawn was met with a hearty breakfast cooked in the Lodge’s full kitchen and served to the work crew around the large dining room table.

The St. Paul crew worked on the stair and walkway connection from the bunkhouse to the showers and restroom.  It has been a great source of pride to be associated with the mission projects of Mountain Top for so many years and a humbling experience to be so close to God’s work.  All left with a sense of accomplishment and the promise of returning to continue His work.


L/R: Bob Vermillion; Marcus Merritt; Bill McKinnon; Bryan Russell and Jonathan Kidwell relax in Oakleaf Lodge.

Bill and Bryan prep forms for concrete.
Git er done

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SPLITTING THE BOUNTY

Last fall the Mountain Top boys have enjoyed the benefit of giving to others through their wood splitting program in which they cut and split firewood and deliver it to several families in the area.  These families still cook and heat with wood stoves so the boy’s contribution of split wood to be used as fuel is a real benefit to those neighbors plus it gives the boys the opportunity to serve others without expecting anything in return.  Because of the bountiful supply of hardwoods in the forest on the Mountain Top campus, we have been able to use downed and diseased trees in the program.  The boys’ willing hands have helped make this program a success and have given them a sense of what it means to share their bounty with others.

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"Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can."

John Wesley, English Churchman, Evangelist and
 Founder of the Methodist Church (1703 - 1791)

 

 

This page was last updated April 18, 2010.

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