Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH -- Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce leaders kicked off a volunteer-led membership and sponsorship campaign, hoping to reach a nearly $1 million fundraising goal.

The campaign, titled "Climbing the Charts to No. 1," is lead by co-chairs Phil Wolfe of Gwinnett Medical Center and Sherwood McDuffie of SunTrust Bank and includes more than 150 team members and chamber staff.

Also hoping to add 100 new members through January, the goal has doubled in the last five years, reaching $950,000, a press release said.

"Gwinnett Chamber volunteers will sell memberships and sponsorships to advance chamber and community initiatives with the ultimate reward of earning a trip to St. Thomas," said Phil Wolfe, Gwinnett Medical Center CEO and campaign co-chair. "I would like to encourage all Chamber members to join us in what promises to be a record-breaking campaign."

Volunteers who generate $11,500 will be eligible for the trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands, the release said.

"I can attest that this speaks volumes to the volunteers who work hard each year to push the envelope and not only reach our goal but surpass it," said McDuffie, who has been a part of the annual membership campaign for five years. "As we head towards the $1 million mark, I couldn't resist the opportunity to come back and help lead and support the Chamber's efforts in this unprecedented achievement."

The money, the release said, helps the Chamber sustain programs for business development, community involvement and member services, and the campaign helps volunteers grow professionally and expand business and community contacts.

"If you are approached by one of the campaign's volunteers, please take a few minutes to browse the Sponsorship Product Manual," said Vince DeSilva, the Chamber's vice president of member services. "There might be a perfect match for your business to gain valuable exposure in the Gwinnett area business community by supporting the Chamber program you value most. There's still time to join in the fun and get involved."

For more information on how to join a team, contact Donna McBee at 770-232-8810 or donna@gwinnettchamber.org.