Coach Beamer to speak at Chatham center’s opening May 22nd

By John Crane
Danville Register & Bee
Published: April 23, 2008

Chatham residents will want to keep their eyes open for a popular college coach in town on May 22.

Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer will be the guest speaker at the grand opening gala for the Community Center in Chatham that day.

“This is a special night for our community and we are honored that coach Beamer will be here to mark the occasion with us,” Chuck Warnock, president of Chatham Cares, said in a statement.

Chatham Cares Inc. is the nonprofit organization in charge of constructing the facility.

The Danville Regional Foundation awarded a $3 million grant to Chatham Cares in 2006 to fund building of the 16,000-square-foot center.

Ben Davenport, president of First Piedmont Corp. in Chatham and a member of Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors, invited Beamer to speak.

Also, Beamer has a commitment to children, and the local Boys and Girls Club will be the anchor tenant in the facility, Warnock said.

Beamer is passionate about the organization and the area has numerous ties to Virginia Tech, he said.

Events will begin at 5 p.m. May 22, with a photo reception with Beamer followed by the general reception and dinner. Those who want to buy tickets can call (434) 432-8003.

Tickets for the general reception and dinner are $50 each, while those for the photo reception with Beamer, the general reception and dinner are $100 each. Group tables are also available for $500, $1,000 and $5,000.

Money from sold tickets will fund the community center’s operations, Warnock said.

Among the center’s many features will be a full gymnasium, a great hall for community events, a computer lab, offices and a caterer’s kitchen. 

Warnock said he hopes to hold a free open house for the public shortly after the grand opening.

Contact John R. Crane at or (434) 791-7987.