Thank you note
EmPOWERment, Inc. would like to thank everyone who made our Build-a-Home Fundraiser on Nov. 13 such a success. The Carolina Inn provided an elegant setting and spectacular food as we celebrated EmPOWERment’s 11 years of service through affordable housing, community organizing and grassroots economic development in Orange and Chatham Counties.
WCHL 1360 Talk Radio did a great job of getting word out about the event. Our other major sponsors — Mechanics & Farmers Bank, Myoshin, Community Realty, East West Partners, VLBP Construction & Painting, AT&T, Mi-Co and Harrington Bank — and many other businesses and individuals generously donated wonderful auction items.
We missed Lillian Lee, who was prevented by illness from acting as co-host, and we’re grateful for her willingness to lend us her support. Jonathan Howes stepped up to serve solo as a cordial and welcoming host, Board President Jacqueline Overton opened the program, and our auctioneer, Aaron Nelson, inspired lively bidding with his lightning-fast patter. Holden Thorpe, Steve Allred and Tina Harrison from Equinox graciously provided lovely live music, our board members gave and helped secure donations, and Joel Sutherland, Clay Schossow, John Evans and Lauren Parrish gave moving testimonies about how EmPOWERment has helped them develop a business, secure housing and gain job skills.
We’re also grateful to Carl Fox, Ellie Kinnaird, Verla Insko, Matt Czajkowski and the 150 other people who attended and showed their support for EmPOWERment. They gave us our best turnout yet, and their generous donations helped complete the puzzle that shapes lives, empowers neighborhoods and builds homes. We came close to putting this year’s puzzle together, but we’re a few pieces short, and we’re always grateful for your donations.
Thank you all,
Delores Bailey
Executive Director
EmPOWERment, Inc.
Play it safe
Walking home last Friday night (Nov. 30) after seeing some bluegrass at the Cat’s Cradle I came across the friends of Debbie Key holding a memorial on the 10th anniversary of her murder. It touched me to feel the love and dedication of this woman’s friends. It also gave me pause to think that even here in our little utopia, there are people who would inflict violence against other people. Let’s face it, Carrboro is a fun place with art, music, places to meet and mingle, but not everyone has the best intentions. Be careful out there! Seeing Debbie’s friends lighting candles in the cold of a winter’s night made me proud to be part of a community where love and loyalty remain strong through years and tears. Rest in peace,
Debbie.
Buddy Kelly
Carrboro