Jeff Whalen of Flowery Branch has been given an Appreciation Award by the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences. The award is presented annually to an individual who has contributed to the support of the college financially, through programs or the legislature.

Whalen, who earned degrees in history and Russian from UGA, became aware of the FACS department of textiles, merchandising and interiors while working with his family’s apparel manufacturing and marketing business, The Warren Featherbone Co.  

In 2002, during his tenure as president of the Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation, Whalen approached the textile, merchandising and interiors department head about establishing an advisory relationship. During the next two years that collaboration resulted in a $40,000 grant from the company to hire a part-time instructor. In  2005, the department created a Distinguished Professor in Soft Goods Merchandising position with the help of an endowment, and also developed internships and established a study tour to China.

 The Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation recently awarded more than $33,000 to local charities and teachers. Six area charities, including The Guest House, shared grants totaling $25,927. Also, $8,051.11 was awarded in classroom grants to six local teachers through the Bright Ideas program.