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Community chips in for USO of North Carolina fundraiser
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Published: June 21, 2009
Saturday's 96 degree heat couldn't keep the community from coming out to Afton Village in support of the USO of North Carolina.
Afton Village merchants, including Max's Ally Restaurant, eNoodles, and The Wine Room, came together for a day of fun, food and music.
They hope to raise around $20,000 for the USO.
The event, held in the parking lot of Afton Village, included a climbing wall, military Humvee, and paint-ball mega arena manned by the National Guard.
"This is good exposure for the National Guard," said National Guard Sgt. Michael Graham. "We go out and look for community events we can support."
The warm day of fun had plenty of kid-worthy thrills. Cotton candy, snow cones and cookies were the most popular stops for kids. Blue lips and tongues were proudly displayed. Kids love fire trucks, and the Concord Fire and Life Safety made sure there were some on display.
Inside Max's Ally was a silent auction of military and sports items to help raise the much-needed money for the USO.
"Most people don't realize that USO has to raise its own money. They get no money from the Arlington National USO or any federal money. We have to be self-sustaining," USO of NC President Retired Lt. Col. John Falkenbury said. "We have to be out there like all nonprofits, raising visibility of what we're doing with the troops. We're touching 220,000 troops and their families, and retirees in this state annually."
They plan to use the money for operations of the four chapters within North Carolina, which cost around $1.2 million to sustain.
There are also plans to purchase two mobile units for the USO. Falkenbury's goal is to move outside the centers. His hope is that they can go anywhere in the state to support the troops, not just at the centers. These mobile units will also be used to help in a state crisis, like a hurricane.
A magician called "Hannibal," who volunteers at USO-sponsored events, attracted a crowd of fascinated observers, including Concord Mayor Scott Padgett.
"I think our citizens would do more if given the opportunity," Padgett said. "I think John's leadership will raise the bar on activities. We have our own city council member, Col. Hector Henry, leaving for Iraq next week. He's been on the council for close to 30 years,"
Sheila Waskow is the director of the Charlotte Chapter of the USO. Her father was a Medal of Honor recipient for the Korean War, and her husband, Tom, is retired 35-year veteran of the Air Force. Waskow's youngest son is also serving as a major in the Air Force.
"This is the kind of event that is good for the USO, because it gets the kids involved, and the military involved," Waskow said. "It gives us a chance to introduce the National Guard and others to the community. Once that link is made the rest follows."
"This is a great community event," Padgett said. "I appreciate Max's Ally and all these merchants stepping up. What this part of the community is doing is helping another part of the community that isn't even here today, the soldiers. To me that's what it's about, one part of the community reaching out to help another part of the community."
Similar events are being planned for neighboring communities.
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