Wednesday, February 26, 2020 was a big day for the Will Robinson Memorial Run. Two checks for $5,000 were presented on Wednesday: one to the Georgia Military College Foundation to go towards the Will Robinson Scholarship Fund, and the other to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office to benefit their Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) program. The proceeds came from the 24^th Will Robinson Memorial Run in October during GMC’s Alumni Weekend. It was one of the most profitable races in the event’s history.

As an Alumnus of GMC Prep School in 1987, and as a deputy at the Baldwin County Sherriff’s Office, Robinson left behind an inspirational legacy in the Milledgeville community. He was killed in the line of duty on December 17, 1995 and upon his death, his family established the Will Robinson Scholarship at GMC, and the Will Robinson Memorial Run was established to earn funds for the scholarship.

Robinson’s mother, Marcia, says she’s grateful that the Will Robinson Memorial Run has lasted as long as it has in the community.

“I still remember the first race,” Marsha said. “All of our family and friends came out and supported us and it just meant so much. This race is a great excuse every year to get together and share stories about Will and what he meant to all of us.”

Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, IV, says keeping Robinson’s memory alive at GMC is important.

“At GMC, we’re proud to partner with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office for the Will Robinson Memorial Run and to have a scholarship in his name at our institution,” Caldwell said. “Will was and is still so important to this community and it’s an honor to continue his legacy here at GMC.”

Last year, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office brought their C.H.A.M.P.S. program to GMC Prep School, providing an education program for the school’s fifth-grade students. The program provides guidance, and the skills, ability, and knowledge to be safe, healthy, and happy, in preparation for a successful life for fifth-grade students across Baldwin County. Baldwin County Sheriff, Bill Massee, says the check from the Will Robinson Memorial Run will help the C.H.A.M.P.S. program considerably.

“We teach about 800 students a year with our C.H.A.M.P.S. program and we don’t have any funding for it, so receiving a check for $5,000 will help purchase t-shirts for our students, as well as the curriculum needed to teach this course,” Massee said. “To have this money coming from the Will Robinson Memorial Run means so much. Knowing how involved he was in not only our department but in this community, we feel like the C.H.A.M.P.S. program is a great use of these funds in his name.”

October 17, 2020 is the date for the next Will Robinson Memorial Run. It will be the 25^th anniversary of the community event.