ROCKINGHAM — While some Richmond County folks were making their final Halloween preparations, a crowd turned out for a fundraiser at Pattan’s Downtown Grille on Oct. 30.
Ten percent of the proceeds from 5-8:30 p.m. was donated to the United Way of Richmond County, netting $250 for its 17 partnering agencies.
Executive Director Michelle Parrish greeted diners at the restaurant and talked with them at their tables. She has served with the agency in this capacity since 2007.
Lee and Sherry Russell of Rockingham, who are close friends of Parrish, said they just found out about the fundraiser on Tuesday and were happy to be having dinner at Pattan’s while being part of the event.
Debbie Knight, outreach coordinator at Thomas H. Leath Memorial Library, was dining with her daughter Mary Catherine Moree and her children, Drew and Layla. They were chatting about Halloween and enjoying their meals.
The United Way Board of Directors revealed its 2019 campaign goal of $300,000 in September. During the ninth annual “Day of Caring”, around 150 volunteers worked on beautification, landscaping, packed and organized food bags, and served meals at three local senior centers.
The mission of the United Way of Richmond County is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Its vision is to engage all citizens to work together to build a healthy, safe, caring and stronger community. It is an independent, volunteer-directed community organization, and is governed by a 12-member board of directors representing Richmond County.
The 17 partnering agencies serve four major areas — children and youth, health and wellness, strengthening and supporting, and crisis services.
Back Pack Pals, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Leak Street Alumni, Richmond County 4-H Clubs, Richmond County Schools E.C., and the Sandhills Children’s Center make up the children and youth agencies.
Richmond County Aging Services and the Samaritan Colony are part of the health and wellness agencies.
Habitat for Humanity, Pee Dee Pregnancy Resource Center, and the Richmond County Literacy Council are the three agencies that receive funding for strengthening and supporting.
Crisis services include the American Red Cross, New Horizons Life and Family Services, Our Daily Bread, Richmond County Rescue Squad, and the Salvation Army.
A 50/50 raffle was also held at the end of the evening, won by Tracy Parris.
Parrish said she was pleased with the turnout and expressed her appreciation to Julia and Tim Pattan for hosting the fundraiser.
