Supporting neighbors facing hardship in Franklin, Bedford, & Pittsylvania Counties.
About SML Gives Inc.
Neighbor supporting neighbor to end local hunger
SML Gives inc. unites neighbors, businesses, and the community in the fight against hunger, ensuring no one is left behind and no one goes to bed hungry
Building Relationships
Through donations, community events, and volunteer opportunities, SML Gives inc. believes relationships are central to a strong community.
Feeding the Community
At SML Gives inc., we believe that everyone has the right to essential nutrition. We understand that life's challenges can sometimes be a barrier. We are here to support our community in meeting their basic needs.
SML Gives inc. Founder
Donate Now
Your contribution can help us provide food, shelter, and medical care to those in need. No donation is too small, and every dollar counts.
Volunteer With Us
Join our team of dedicated volunteers and make a difference in your community. Whether it's serving meals, organizing events, or providing support, we need your help.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness about our cause by sharing our mission with your friends and family. Follow us on social media and invite others to join our community.
Become a Partner
Collaborate with us to make a greater impact. We welcome partnerships with businesses, organizations, and individuals who share our values and goals.
Attend Our Events
Join us for our upcoming events and help us raise funds and awareness for our cause. From charity walks to benefit concerts, there's something for everyone.
Join Our Mailing List
Stay up-to-date on our latest news, events, and initiatives by joining our mailing list. Sign up today and never miss an opportunity to support our mission.
SML GIVES INC Vice President
Meet Kevin
Vice President | SML GIVES INC
Kevin Bugg brings more than forty years of professional experience and a lifelong commitment to community service to his role as Vice President for SML GIVES INC.
After purchasing a home in Union Hall, Virginia at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, Kevin began exploring the organizations and programs that make the community special. During that search, he heard about the grassroots work happening through SML GIVES INC. Curious and inspired, Kevin spent a few months quietly watching the organization’s growth and impact from afar.
Eventually, he decided to stop by Joey’s office to learn more about what was unfolding. That conversation quickly turned into something more meaningful. Recognizing the heart behind the mission and the potential to serve neighbors in powerful ways, Kevin immediately offered his support. Today, he serves as Vice President and plays a key leadership role in planning and developing the organization’s future operations hub in Union Hall, helping ensure the facility is safe, sustainable, and ready to serve the community for years to come.
Kevin’s professional career spans four decades with State Farm, including 30 years as a State Farm Agent and 10 years in operations. A graduate of Radford University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Insurance, Kevin built his career around protecting families, supporting businesses, and strengthening communities.
Service has always been at the center of Kevin’s life. He served two terms as Mayor Pro-Tem for the Town of Kernersville, North Carolina, and has held numerous leadership roles including Past President of the Rotary Club of Kernersville, Past Director of the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Korner’s Folly Foundation, and Vice Chairman of the Kernersville Foundation Board of Directors.
Kevin’s dedication to community impact has been recognized with several honors, including Small Business Person of the Year (2006), Citizen of the Year (2009), U.S. Lacrosse Man of the Year – North Carolina (2011), and the Community Distinguished Service Award (2023).
A passionate advocate for youth development and community engagement, Kevin founded Kernersville Cannons Youth Lacrosse and currently serves as Chairman of the Salvation Army Kernersville Advisory Board. He remains deeply engaged in the Smith Mountain Lake community as President of Reel Connections for Kids, Board Member of the SML Rotary Club, and Board Member of the Smith Mountain Striper Club. Kevin also graduated from the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy in 2024.
Kevin’s leadership, steady guidance, and servant’s heart make him an invaluable part of the SML GIVES INC team as the organization continues building programs and infrastructure to better serve neighbors across the region.
Board of Directors
Dr. Brian Alexander
Dr. Brian Alexander
Detour Dental
Dr. Brian Alexander is a native to Franklin County and practices General Dentistry out of Union Hall, Virginia. He brings a strong commitment to the community and the shared belief that no one should go to bed hungry.
Melanie Burnette
Dr. Brian Alexander
Philanthropist
Melanie has deep roots at Smith Mountain Lake and understands the importance of community. Raised in Franklin County, Melanie has a background in journalism and marketing. She serves on the board of directors for SML GIVES INC where she strengthens our organization's presence.
Melanie Eames
Napoli Restaurant Group
Melanie and her husband Brian manage the kitchens of Napoli Cowboy and Napoli by the Lake. Having an extensive background in feeding the community, Melanie designs and leads our special events and food service for our annual holiday benefit.
Susan Hogan, Treasurer
Susan Hogan, Treasurer
State Farm
Susan Hogan brings a lifelong passion for helping neighbors in need to her role with SML GIVES INC. A native of Franklin County, Susan grew up working on a local farm where she learned the value of hard work, resilience, and community support.
Professionally, she serves as a Catastrophe Team Manager with State Farm, traveling across the US to assist communities recovering from disaster. Her experience has strengthened her commitment to ensuring rural neighbors have equitable access to food and resources. Susan is passionate about finding practical solutions to strengthen the community she proudly calls home.
Robert Santmyer
Susan Hogan, Treasurer
Robert Santmyer
PenBay Technology Group
Bob Santmyer and his wife Andrea have been residents at Smith Mountain Lake (SML) since 2015. Bob owns and operates a service-disabled veteran-owned small business headquartered in Union Hall, providing technology solutions to the federal government (DoD and Federal Civilian Agencies). Bob joins SML Gives Inc after managing a food ministry in Northern Virginia that provided hot meal services for those in need.
Marie Anderson
Susan Hogan, Treasurer
Robert Santmyer
Philanthropist
Marie Anderson brings a strong background in social work, advocacy, and community support to SML GIVES INC. She holds degrees in Psychology and Social Work from the University of Virginia and is passionate about strengthening families and supporting neighbors in need.
In addition to her professional work, Marie has spent 15 years as a professional musician and operates a sanctuary dedicated to providing lifelong care for FIV+ cats.
John H. Aull
Shanna Wright
Shanna Wright
Aullsome Lake, LLC
John is a founding member of SML GIVES INC. Throughout his career, John served on several nonprofit boards and was one of the early organizers who helped bring the vision of SML GIVES INC to life. John is deeply passionate about building meaningful relationships that create lasting impact. His commitment to the mission became deeply personal after volunteering on one of SML GIVES INC’s food delivery routes. John remains focused on strengthening community connections, supporting neighbors with dignity and compassion, and helping expand the reach of SML GIVES INC.
Shanna Wright
Shanna Wright
Shanna Wright
Optum Health Care
Shanna is a Registered Nurse with more than thirty years of experience serving seniors and improving the quality of care in long-term care communities across Virginia. Her career has been dedicated to advocating for vulnerable populations, strengthening healthcare systems, and ensuring that seniors receive the dignity and support they deserve.
Shanna has lived in the Smith Mountain Lake community for a little over three years and is excited to be part of the mission of SML GIVES INC.
Timothy Smothers
Kroger C-Suite (Retired)
Tim resides at Smith Mountain Lake and retired following a distinguished career with Kroger, where he served as part of the company’s Executive Leadership Team. Originally relocating from the Midwest as part of the founding team that helped establish Harris Teeter operations in NC, Tim built his career through hard work, leadership, and a deep commitment to service, eventually working alongside company leadership on major operational initiatives.
Tim has long been dedicated to community engagement and nonprofit leadership. He served for over a decade as Board Chairman of United Way of Roanoke Valley and continues that commitment as Chairman of the Board of SML GIVES INC. His leadership reflects a strong belief in servant leadership, community partnership, and ensuring neighbors facing hardship are met with dignity, compassion, and meaningful support.
SML GIVES Tailgate at the Coves presented by Tito's
TICKETS ON SALE SOON!
Good Vibes. Great Music. Real Impact.
The SML GIVES Tailgate at The Coves is a high-energy, community-driven experience where generosity meets celebration. Kick off Labor Day Weekend with the Marshall Tucker Band and enjoy a meal prepared by award winning chief Billy Howland, signature cocktails & game experiences by Tito's Handmade Vodka, a round of digital golf by Birdies Where Are You? and et the kid play at Kids' Corner by SML Good Neighbors.
All while supporting your community!