B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 31 and constructing sidewalks to create a more pedestrian- friendly campus have been completed. The capital campaign is divided into two phases. Phase one had a goal of $1 million for the construction of a new middle school facility. Georgia Christian launched the campaign with a lead gift of $100,000 from J.C. and Judy McMullen and a commitment from the school’s board members for $72,000. The campaign received an unexpected boost when a local businessman heard about the project and offered a matching $500,000 gift toward construction of the middle school. Lawson said the middle school campaign is a perfect example of how the benefit dinners are enhancing Georgia Christian’s reputation. After attending a Georgia Christian benefit dinner, local businessman Joe “Bud” Dasher approached Lawson about the financial needs of the school. Lawson invited Dasher to the school for a tour, and shortly afterward plans were confirmed for a $500,000 dollar-for-dollar matching donation. Part of the pledge was the money had to be raised in a year and construction finished within that year. He wanted students in the building during this academic year. I am proud to say we fulfilled our obligation and will have students in the building this school year. - Brad Lawson The approximately 10,000-square-foot middle school building includes classroom space, a specific area for art education, a science lab, a media center, and administrative offices. The Joe Virgil Dasher Middle School, named for Joe Dasher’s father, will double the size of the current building and will allow Georgia Christian to expand the middle school enrollment from 75 to 150 students. With phase one of the capital campaign completed, Lawson said phase two, which is scheduled to begin in two years, will secure funds to build a new high school. The master plan also includes a multiplex building that will house an auditorium and classroom space, outdoor space for academic and social activities, and renovations to the existing athletic facilities. PHOTO: LORI ALLEY $1,000,000 PHASE ONE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GOAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 31 Dr. Brad Lawson, president of Georgia Christian School.