ROCKINGHAM – Richmond County is blessed to have many people who go above and beyond in helping others. One such person that stands out is Robin Roberts. She was born in Richmond County but shortly thereafter moved to Texas. Several years later she relocated back to Rockingham where she continues to reside today.
In 1990 Roberts took a job waitressing at Hudson Brothers and proceeded to advance to general manager where she continues to this day. She has brought live music to the deli as she coordinates musicians to come and play each week. “They call me the musical mama,” said Roberts.
Her love for the community goes much further than just coordinating music; she recently coordinated and held a bike ride fundraiser for single mom Sarah McDuffie. McDuffie recently had heart surgery and all monies raised went towards helping her with her medical expenses.
The giving continues. Roberts developed a desire to help veterans; her brother Ronnie Charles Gainey, her Uncle Larry Charles Gainey, her husband James Roberts, and her brother-in-law Sean Roberts have all served in the United States military. “The main reason I help veterans is due to my brother who served in the military for over 25 years. He is my hero, and I want to give back for all the sacrifices he has made throughout the many years he served.” Roberts currently serves at the Rockingham VFW Post 4203 as the president of their Auxiliary and also as senior vice-president and secretary of the NC District 9 VFW Auxiliary.
Three years ago she wanted to start a Veterans’ Day parade and began asking for support. It wasn’t an easy task and many told her “it wouldn’t happen.” This seemed to motivate her even more and Robin ensured that the first year not only “happened,” but was a rousing success. Her perseverance, along with the community’s help, paid off immensely, and November 2018 will mark the third consecutive year that the parade will take place in Richmond County. The event has grown each year as more people get involved. There are many events that go along with the parade, one such being the veterans’ art exhibit which will be set-up at Arts Richmond. “It is definitely a group effort; we have a great Auxiliary, and we are all passionate about what we do,” Robins said.
One of Roberts’ proudest moments was earlier this year when she was recognized for her efforts in the community by receiving the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Services. This is the highest award a civilian can receive for such endeavors. Congress recognizes each VFW Auxiliary for the amount of outreach they do within their community. The Auxiliary is now “All American” as well as “All State” because of all the outreach that has been accomplished. Everything done through the Auxiliary is reported to Congress, which determines the recognition.
Roberts will soon venture out into an area she never has before. She will be participating in “Dancing With The Stars” which benefits the local Richmond County Hospice. She stated “The reason I’m doing this is in honor of my father who passed away last year. Hospice took very good care of him as well as the rest of our family, and I want to give back to them.”
Coming up soon, yet another benefit Roberts will head is “Rocking For Veterans” which will be held on September 15, 2018 at the VFW Post 4203 in Rockingham. All proceeds will go towards helping deployed troops. The bands that are lined-up to perform are: Simple Things; The Safety Committee; August Burning; and Ponder Project. Ponder Productions will be providing the sound equipment for the event.
Roberts has truly shown her love for the community which proves that one person can make a world of difference; be that one person and venture out. You never know whom you will be able to reach.
