In 2024, WFMY News 2 turns 75! It's our diamond anniversary! As we celebrate our diamond year, we want to take time to highlight diamonds in our community. We know there are people all over the Triad who make their communities shine! WFMY News 2 asked members of the public to nominate their diamonds and we received several worthy entries. But this month, the one that stood out was Robert Gaines.
THE NOMINATION
Robert Gaines sprung into action after Hurricane Helene swept across western North Carolina. A Greensboro native, Gaines worked with Baptists on Mission and the North Carolina Disaster Response Ministry in the wake of the storm.
During one week, Gaines and his crew worked at Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden, Buncombe County, where they prepared food for the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and military personnel to feed Helene victims.
In total, Gaines said Baptists on Mission served over 80,000 meals that week.
"I'm just so thankful that I had the opportunity to do it," Gaines said. "I believe God has blessed me so with the health and the family support that I try to live as Christ would want me to live. I love my family, my neighbors and my friends.
ABOUT ROBERT GAINES
Gaines was raised on a farm by his aunt and uncle before coming to Greensboro to go to school. He eventually served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.
When Gaines returned to the United States, he finished his education and earned a job at Ragsdale High in Jamestown, where he spent 31 years before retiring.
Several years ago, Gaines got involved with Baptists on Mission and the North Carolina Emergency Disaster Response Ministry.
For winning the November Community Diamond, Gaines received:
-$100 gift certificate from Windsor Jewelers
-$75 Visa gift card
-Community Diamond recognition certificate
-Other diamond goodies!
NOMINATE A DIAMOND
You can nominate people in your community as a Community Diamond! Fill out the nomination form below and tell us about people who are making a difference in your community! WFMY News 2 will choose one winner a month to spotlight in an on air story. The monthly winner will also receive a gift certificate to Windsor Jewelers and a Visa Gift Card so they can reward themselves or continue doing good in their community.
At the end of the year, each of the monthly winners will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a larger item from Windsor Jewelers.