MOUNT OLIVE — Members representing Free Will Baptist churches in Duplin County generated $21,244 in gifts to Mount Olive College, the denomination's private, Christian liberal arts institution.

One hundred forty people attended the Annual College Dinner at the Lois K. Murphy Regional Center. Churches presented their gifts to the College at the dinner. Of those giving, 75 were designated as Bridge Builders for contributing a gift of $100 or more.

Dr. Tommy Benson of Warsaw, chairman, Mr. Graham Frazelle of Beulaville, and the Rev. Mickey Whitfield of Mount Olive formed the Steering Committee for the dinner.

Three churches received special recognition at the dinner. Beulaville FWB Church was recognized for giving the largest contribution at the 2010 Dinner, Pearsall's Chapel FWB Church was recognized for giving the most per capita, and Sandy Plain FWB Church was recognized for having the most high school students in attendance.

Jean F. Ackiss, director of Church Support, coordinated the event and presided over the program. “Every time you give to Mount Olive College, you are making an investment in the lives of the students we serve,” she said.

The Convention of Original Free Will Baptists established Mount Olive College in 1951 as one of its ministries and has given strong support throughout its 59-year history.

“These church dinners demonstrate the incredible commitment by the Original Free Will Baptist congregations to Mount Olive College. They recognize the value of the College serving the Church and the region by educating our students in a faith-based, values-centered environment,” said Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter, president of the college.