By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
The United Way of Coastal Carolina (UWCC) is hosting a brand new fundraising event: A Night of Glamour & Giving with Casino Night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Bern Riverfront on Saturday, February 17th at 6:00 pm.
The evening will include casino games such as Poker, Roulette, Craps and Blackjack — blending fun, entertainment, and philanthropy. Entertainment will include Magician Bryan Sanders, live music, gourmet delights, a mixology class, silent auction, dancing and more.
Executive Director of UWCC, Sandra Phelps says, “We are betting on the power of our community coming together for a common cause. Each spin, each hand played, and each dance step represents a commitment to making a difference in building a stronger community in Coastal Carolina.”
Tickets are available on the UWCC website at UnitedWayCoastalNC.org, on Facebook at Facebook.com/UWofCC or on Eventbrite.
“Nonprofits meet the needs in the community,” says Sandra. “We need fundraisers to support our programs, so we’ve created an evening of fun. Even if you don’t like to gamble, there is other entertainment and it all goes toward helping a good cause, to raise funds that go back into the community.”
United Way of Coastal Carolina addresses the needs of the community in four counties: Carteret, Craven, Pamlico, and Jones County. “It’s a large geographical area that we cover, and four counties is the exception rather than the rule,” says Sandra. “We support ongoing basic needs like homelessness, and domestic violence shelters, providing a safe place for people to go until they can get on their feet. We also provide health-related programs like the health clinic in Carteret and Pamlico. We fund the senior pharmacy program and the literacy council. For youth, we work with the boys and girls clubs and afterschool programs. It is a broad scope of things that United Way is involved in.”
The goal of UWCC is to bring someone ‘up’ and get through their crisis. They help individuals navigate the world and name a pathway to what they deem as success.
“Our programs are designed to meet people where they are, and not every individual has the same route. There isn’t a single fix; it has to be tailored to what is best for them. These programs do a great job of directing these individuals. This is why the fundraiser is so important. We rely on gifts and grants, but overall we need more financial support and we need to create more awareness for issues like homelessness,” says Sandra.
The UWCC was instrumental in New Bern during disaster recovery efforts after Hurricane Florence, managing grants for survivors of the hurricane. After large, damaging events, the United Way steps up quickly but also continues that support for long-term recovery. “Five-plus years afterward Florence, we are still dealing with homes with mold or mildew, and people are still displaced,” says Sandra. “We rely on volunteers to do interior work. After a natural disaster, there is a flood of volunteers, but after a year, that lessens. Right now, we desperately need local volunteers to assist with these homes. Additionally, we also need board members, grant review teams, and office volunteers.” To volunteer, go to the UWCC website: UnitedWayCoastalNC.org.
Sandra joined UWCC in April 1999, but has been involved with the organization for nearly 27 years. “In that first year, New Bern was hit by Hurricane Floyd. I remember going to Walmart to buy toiletries and undergarments for people who needed basic supplies. When there is a need you try to fill it,” she says. “As an Executive Director for a smaller non-profit organization, you do everything to manage the needs of the organization: financial, volunteers, the Board of Directors. Teamwork within the organization is very important, that’s what makes the best success—when everybody is working towards the same goal.”
About United Way of Coastal Carolina
United Way of Coastal Carolina is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives and building a stronger community. Through partnerships, initiatives, and fundraising events, United Way of Coastal Carolina addresses critical issues and makes a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in the Coastal Carolina region.