Honoring Judge James Dingle

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The true definition of a man is shown through his character and his actions and by the way he treats others, especially when the others can do nothing for him. I am going to take this column to brag on Judge James Dingle, because he would never do it for himself. I met Judge Dingle several years ago. Since then, we have worked on many service projects together, and he never ceases to amaze me. A few months back, Habitat for Humanity hosted a womanless beauty pageant. With very little arm twisting, I was able to convince the judge that it was a good idea to dress up as a woman. Needless to say, "Judge Jingle" won that pageant. So, in May, when Cheryl Wingard - an amazing person herself - called and asked me if I would talk Judge Dingle into dancing in her annual Clarendon County Dancing with the Stars, I couldn't resist. Wingard hosts this incredible event every year, and it has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. He agreed to participate. I promised him that I would help him fundraise - I want him to win. He has told me, over and over and over and over, that this is going to be his last big fundraiser. We are having a fundraiser Aug. 3 in the Radio Shack parking lot. Sharon Thames has graciously donated her Tropical Paradise kitchen. She is another amazing woman who gives endlessly to our community. If you have never the pleasure of meeting her, you need to make a point to go to Radio Shack and introduce yourself. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, we will be serving hot dogs, funnel cakes and her famous "Liquid Gold" lemonade. Two hot dogs, fries and a soda is $6. A funnel cake is $5, and a glass of lemonade is $3. All proceeds will go toward Judge Dingle's participation in Dancing with the Stars. Also, The Manning Times, Corner Diner and Radio Shack are also accepting donations all week long. That’s another set of fabulous folks. On Saturday, the Corner Diner hosted a Burger Night to help raise money. These people gave up their Saturday night to work for four hours to raise money. Any amount helps and is very, very much appreciated.