Lake Waccamaw, NC – Rotarians from across the state gathered at Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina on Saturday, March 26 for Rotary Day 2022.
The special event celebrates the longstanding connection between Rotary Clubs in North Carolina and BGHNC.
“I’m so glad we’re at a point where we can meet face-to-face,” said BGHNC President/CEO Ricky Creech. “Rotarians are so passionate through visits, volunteering, prayers, and financial support. They are a part of BGHNC. This is a part of their lives. Every little thing they do for the organization is being done for the success of those in our care. There will always be a need for Rotary Cottage.”
Rotarians enjoyed a trolley tour of campus and spent time in the Rotary Cottage before a cookout with food prepared by Creech at the pavilion.
BGHNC Chief Mission Officer Ray Cockrell took the opportunity to introduce new Director of Development and Community Engagement Alexandrea Everson to the Rotarians in attendance.
“I can’t tell you how exited we are to have Alex with us,” he said. “Our kids are so very blessed that we now have Alex on our team. We look forward to the work she is going to do.”
Everson served as emcee for the short program after the meal.
“I’m new and as a part of my learning, as part of my training, I got to know a lot about Rotary and what Rotary stands for,” said Everson to the crowd during Rotary Day. “I have gotten to know about who you are and our involvement with you through the years. You are quite an impressive group and I am thrilled to be here with you today. I’m thrilled you’re on campus so we have a chance to show you right here what we’re doing.”
BGHNC employs 170 individuals at five different locations across the state while caring for 325 youth each day through the various services.
“What keeps us viable is the therapeutic model, The Waccamaw Way, that we’ve got in place,” said Creech. “The state has invited us in on several projects. I can tell you we are leading the way in the state of North Carolina as far as group homes are concerned. Not only a diverse staff, we offer more medical and therapeutic services on our campus by our staff than any other group home in the state of North Carolina. I owe it to Rotarians and other civic club supporters and individuals because they help us raise the funds to pay for these extra staff that other group homes don’t have.”
Rotary District 7710 Governor Angela Bendorf Jamison and Rotary District 7730 Governor Ellen Deaton invited club members from their districts to come forward to present their donations to BGHNC.
“I want to get every Rotarian, every politician, to this campus to see the good work that is getting done,” said Jamison. “It’s very heartwarming and it’s wonderful to know Rotary supports this and I hope that we will always be able to do that.”
Deaton agrees, “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be here for the very first time. It is just amazing what you are doing here. I am so glad that Rotary is a part of this. It’s so sad that so many kids suffer from all types of abuse but I can see now that they’re going to be taken care of and for that I’m eternally grateful.”
The clubs raised $15,050 through the event.
“I can’t thank you enough for being here and all that you do,” said Everson after announcing the total funds raised. “You might not know it, but the impact you have just in being here, just in supporting us, being a part of us through all the years, has an astronomical impact on the children we’ve served. Each and every one of you has been a huge part in changing the lives of children in our community and ultimately the people of our community.”
About Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina
Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, Inc., has been helping children since 1954. Since then, more than 7,500 children have benefitted from the services of the not-for-profit, 501(c)3 agency. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive array of services for children and youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or other family dysfunction. BGHNC offers adoption, family and therapeutic foster care, free children’s therapy, as well as residential care on the campus at Lake Waccamaw. The campus features a SACS-accredited school with a middle and high school curriculum, vocational education, recreation facilities, farm, chapel and cottage life. As many as 320 children are cared for through the residential, community-based services, and school program provided by BGHNC at any given time. BGHNC operates its program, services and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws. BGHNC is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
