Thursday, September 21, 2023

Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts

Congratulations to Mac & Sandra Birdsong, 2023 Suffolk First Citizen recipients.

Mac and Sandra Foster Birdsong: A Combined Legacy of Dedication in Suffolk

In the vibrant city of Suffolk, Virginia, two exceptional individuals have left an indelible mark through their unwavering commitment to community service and leadership. Mac, a leader in the peanut business, and Sandra Foster Birdsong, a devoted educator, have dedicated their lives to making a difference in the lives of Suffolk's residents. The city of Suffolk is proud to recognize their remarkable achievements and contributions by naming the couple Suffolk’s First Citizen for 2023.

With nearly 50 years of service in the peanut industry, Mac has been a driving force in shaping the business landscape. His influential role as Chairman of the American Peanut Council and continued board membership at Birdsong Peanuts have contributed to the company's remarkable success. Additionally, his presence on the BB&T Bank board underscores his significant contributions to the business community.

Beyond his business achievements, Mac's most profound impact lies in his unwavering dedication to community service. Together with his wife, Sandra, Mac generously supports numerous charities, making a positive impact on the lives of many in Suffolk and beyond. However, his involvement goes beyond financial contributions, as he actively serves on the boards of various organizations, including Paul D. Camp Community College and the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.

Mac's leadership was instrumental in the success of the Suffolk Center's capital campaign, raising an impressive $4.5 million for renovations. His tenacity, persuasiveness, and practical approach have earned him widespread respect and admiration, leading to accolades like the J. Paul Council Community Service Award and the Community Champion Award.

Sandra Foster Birdsong's passion for education began early in life. After obtaining her education degrees, she embarked on a teaching career, enriching the lives of students in various schools. In 1981, Sandra joined Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (NSA) as a teacher, later becoming the Director of Instruction. Her dedication and commitment to the school and its students made her an invaluable member of the administrative team. Even after retiring in 1994, Sandra continued to serve NSA and the community, supporting the school's growth and development.

Beyond her work in education, Sandra's impact extended to various community organizations. Her involvement in the NSA Capital Campaign "Our Saints. Our Future." raised an impressive $8.4 million for the school. Additionally, she co-chaired NSA's "Forging the Future" capital campaign, further supporting the institution. Sandra's commitment to community service has made her a role model for all, inspiring others to make a difference in their communities.

Over the years, much of Sandra’s community service has been directed toward the local and regional YMCA. She served on the Corporate Board of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads for more than twenty years, and in recognition of her service, she was selected as the recipient of “The Order of the Red Triangle,” the highest volunteer honor the YMCA awards. She also served as the Chairman of the Suffolk Family YMCA Board of Management and was given the “Friend of Youth” award. She continues to enjoy soliciting donations for the Suffolk YMCA’s annual scholarship campaign.

In addition to her YMCA service, Sandra has served on the Riddick’s Folly Board of Directors, Nansemond Suffolk Academy Board of Trustees, Community Action Coalition of Virginia, Nansemond River Garden Club, and as the public member of the American Board of Pain Management. Sandra is also a past chairman of the Louise Obici Hospital Auxiliary.

Sandra is an active member of Main Street United Methodist and currently serves on multiple church committees.

The combined legacy of Mac and Sandra Foster Birdsong in Suffolk is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, community service, and leadership. Mac's leadership in the peanut business and tireless community involvement, alongside Sandra's unwavering commitment to education and community service, have enriched the lives of Suffolk's residents. Their legacies will continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration, shaping the city's trajectory for generations to come. Through their collective efforts, Mac and Sandra Foster Birdsong have left an enduring mark on Suffolk, making them both deserving candidates for the esteemed Suffolk First Citizen Award.

Suffolk’s 2023 First Citizen award presentation will be held September 21, 2023, at Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts (110 Finney Ave, Suffolk, VA 23434) beginning at 6 pm. Tickets for the event are $50, $35 for Early Bird tickets (available until August 31). Tickets are available HERE.

2023 Sponsorship Opportunies

1. Presenting Sponsor $3,000 — Includes 8 tickets plus website link

2. Diamond $1,500 — Includes 4 tickets plus website link

3. Gold $500 — Includes 3 tickets

4. Silver $250 — Includes 2 tickets

5. Bronze $150 — Includes 2 tickets

6. Tickets $45 before March 12. Tickets $65 after March 12.

2023 Exclusive opportunities

1. Video Presenter $3,000 — Name at video lead and in credits; video stays live year round on the First Citizen website; includes 2 tickets

2. Website Presenter $2,500 — Name as the presenter on the Official First Citizen website (inaugural opportunity); new website will launch after First Citizen is named; included 2 tickets

3. Bar Sponsor $2,500 — Signage at bar locations; includes 2 tickets

4. VIP Social $2,000 — Signage at pre-event location; includes 2 tickets

5. Servicing Station Sponsor $750— Signage at representative food station; includes 2 tickets

For more information on sponsorship, contact Tom Powell — tom@theaddisongroup.com

Get started HERE for First Citizen of Suffolk sponsorship.

Past First Citizen Honorees

Suffolk First Citizen past recipients include:

2022 - Harry Lee Cross III
2019 - L.D. Britt, MD MPH
2018 - Karla Smith
2017 - John Harrell
2016 - Lydia Duke
2015 - Billy Chorey Sr.
2014 - Robert W. "Bobby" Harrell, Jr.
2013 - Dr. R. Leroy Howell, Sr.
2012 - M. Caroline Martin
2011 - The Honorable Fred Quayle            
2010 - Dr. Douglas C. Naismith
2009 - The Honorable Chris Jones
2008 - Betsy Brothers
2007 - W. Ross Boone
2006 - Whitney Godwin Saunders
2005 - The Honorable Curtis R. Milteer, Sr.
2004 - Susan F. Woodward
2003 - The Honorable E. Dana Dickens III
1998 - Durrell V. Mills
1997 - Jack W. Nurney, Jr.
1996 - George Y. Birdsong
1995 - Al and Georgia Saunders
1994 - J. Samuel Glasscock
1993 - Rev. Melvin R. Boone
1992 - Robert E. Gillette
1991 - Dr. Philip R. Thomas
1990 - Sanford B. Chapman
1989 - Oliver K. Hobbs
1988 - William J. Spain, Jr.
1987 - Dr. George H. Barnett
1986 - William E. Ashley
1985 - Joseph H. Barlow
1984 - Howard D. Mast
1983 - Dr. Margarite W. Reid
1982 - The Honorable Andrew B. Damiani
1981 - S. B. “Bert” Hazelwood
1980 - Arthur E. Jones
1979 - Edwin C. Ferguson, Jr.
1978 - Ted J. LoCascio
1977 - Robert H. Williams
1976 - Robert W. Hundley
1975 - Laura H. Elmore
1974 - William F. Davis
1973 - Dr. Robert B. Marr
1972 - James F. Hope
1971 - James E. Amers
1970 - Muscoe Garnett
1969 - Major T. Benton
1968 - C. M. Flintoff
1967 - Dr. Murray Kantor
1966 - W. G. Saunders, Jr
1965 - Hunter M. Haynes
1964 - Dr. Edward C. Joyner
1963 - Richard M. Williams
1962 - William R. Savage
1961 - Vernon G. Eberwine
1960 - W. P. Griffin
1959 - Mills E. Godwin, Jr.
1958 - Henry M. Pinner
1957 - T. H. Birdsong, Jr.
1956 - R. L. Woodward, Jr.