The Carolinas’ civic organizations provide long-standing and continuous support for BGHNC. Boys and Girls Homes was founded and established with help and support from every major civic group. The fact that we combine so many diverse civic organizations from across the Carolinas in long-term commitments of support is one of many reasons that make BGHNC so distinct.
Civic Clubs initially funded the construction of cottages on campus for residents in the 1950s and 1960s. Thus, most of the cottages are named after the civic organizations.
When Boys Home began welcoming girls on campus to become the Boys and Girls Homes of NC, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Extension and Community Association stepped forward to support the Wakefield and Stango cottages.
The Clubs continue to provide strong support for the cottages and other facilities on campus.
These include:
- Ongoing financial support to meet day-to-day needs of the children
- Visits to campus to interact with the children at cookouts, cottage dinners, and Chapel events
- Campus cleanup days
- Holding regional and district club conventions on campus
- Hosting children at their events throughout the state
- Making in-kind donations for use by the children or for sale in the Homes’ Country Store; and
- Appointing district and state chairs to represent BGHNC
BGHNC staff present at civic group meetings across the state. We welcome the opportunity to share the exciting news of BGHNC with civic clubs. Please contact our Director of Community Engagement Erica Hughes at 910-646-3083 if you would like us to speak at your next event.
Optimist Clubs
The Optimist Cottage opened on the BGHNC campus in 1967 following a telethon that raised more than $60,000.
Optimist members from across the state provide regular support for their cottage. Donations of sporting goods and equipment, televisions and gaming systems as well as furniture have been given in addition to financial gifts.
The residents of Optimist cottage are invited to several "Christmas Tree Lots" each year to enjoy an evening with the club members and experience their signature fundraising event. Also, many clubs are represented during the annual "Clean Up Day" on campus. Residents and Optimists work together to give the cottage - inside and out - a fresh, clean look.
Optimist International's mission is to bring out the best in kids by providing hope and positive vision. They are proud to be "a friend of youth."
In 2023, the Optimists completed a major renovation of Optimist cottage. Read more about all of the helping hands that went into that renovation here.
