As they carry on with the day-to-day work of serving the community, the staff at the Sampson Crisis Center is also busy preparing for their seventh annual gospel sing fundraiser.
Unlike last year when the event took place on a Sunday afternoon, this year’s sing will be held Friday, March 29 at 6 p.m. at the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center.
Rochelle Stuart, director of the Crisis Center, encourages the community to come out and join them for a fun, musical time. “There will be lots of local talent from within the community and also some from outside of Sampson County.”
Stuart adds that there will also a be a raffle. “We’re looking for local businesses to donate door prizes,” said Stuart. “We’ll start collecting them in March.”
Always thinking of others, the Crisis Center staff makes sure that everyone has the opportunity to be a part of the fun. “Something we like to do is we like to visit the nursing homes and see if there is anyone there who is able and would like to get a little dressed up and go out for a night on the town,” shared Stuart, smiling.
As she organizes this year’s gospel sing, the director cannot help but recall last year’s. “Last year it was a success,” shared Stuart “We ran into some attendance issues, though, because there were some funerals on Sunday afternoon at the same time as the sing was. This year, since we decided to have it on Friday night instead, we hope to have more attendance.”
“We sold 300 tickets last year and that’s what we usually stick with,” added Stuart. “So far, based on the way it looks, ticket sells are going good.”
The money raised through the fundraiser enables the Crisis Center to help many people with their various needs, including paying heating and electric bills, making rent and house payments, buying medicines and food, and even providing transportation for those who have medical appointments outside of Sampson County.
“We’d like to be self-sufficient but we know that with the economy like it is we have to look for new money and grants,” shared Stuart. “This fundraiser is important. It’s just tough right now and it’s tough everywhere and with everybody.”
Reflecting on how many people the Crisis Center has helped over the years and how many needs still exist, Stuart is grateful for those who support the Crisis Center, especially through the fundraiser. “We’re so appreciative and want to thank everyone who buys tickets.”
Stuart adds that those who have offered their continuous support are especially dear to her and the Crisis Center staff. “We’d like to say a formal thank you to all of our repeat supporters who have been helping us for so long. They’ve been very gracious.”
Many of their repeat supporters are local businesses, noted Stuart, and even though the fundraiser is still a month away, quite a few have already made contributions. “We’ve already received checks from Sampson County Medical Society, Star Telephone, Royal Hall Funeral Home, Taylor Insurance, Dubose National Energy Services Inc, Brock Funeral Home, and Clinton Truck and Tractor.”
On behalf of Royal Hall Funeral Home, Vernon Clifton shared that Royal Hall has always thought it important to support the Crisis Center and its mission. “The community really benefits from it. It’s a great organization.”
Tickets for the gospel sing are $10 and can be purchased at the Crisis Center or from any of the board members.
Admission at the door with no ticket will cost $12.
For more information about the fundraiser, call Rochelle Stuart at the Sampson Crisis Center at 910-592-3599.
Lauren Williams can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 117 or via email at lwilliams@civitasmedia.com.
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