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12 Who Care 2009: Pete Rawls

 Jamie Valet  Patty Crosby     Created: 9/21/2009 4:35:39 PM    Updated: 9/29/2009 6:00:31 PM
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JACKSONVILLE, FL -- It's a beautiful day for fishing at the Amelia Island Plantation.

"Is everybody ready to catch some fish?"

A dream getaway for many retirees. But not for Pete Rawls.

"I'm a work-a-holic," says Rawls. "I can't be still."

Instead of relaxing, he's working hard to make this a perfect day for clients with mental challenges at the A.R.C. Nassau.

"Isn't this pretty cool today? This is pretty cool today!"

In his former life, Pete Rawls was a true salesman. For fifty years he thrived in the high pressure world of selling leather goods in the Southeast, Puerto Rico and Europe.

"Here we go fishing, here we go."

Now Pete can use all his sales skills in a different way. Not to make a profit. But to make a real difference in the lives of these special people he now calls his family.

"I went to every friend I have in Fernandina Island and beat up on them."

He got donations for new flooring, fixtures and more for their facility.

"He's a godsend. It's unreal the support he gives," says A.R.C. Nassau employee Mike Thompson.

But for Pete Rawls, he believes he's got the better end of this deal.

"It just makes you feel great all over. The clients are great. It's just a great place to be."

And that's what makes Pete Rawls one of our 12 Who Care.

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