One hundred and fifty-five citizens from the Sandhills area attended the black tie optional, complimentary dinner. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the organization to thank the long time donors and to make prospective donors aware of the homes at Lake Waccamaw.
Bill Thompson, president, told the group that 75 children from this area (Moore, Lee, and Hoke counties) have lived at Boys and Girls Homes.
“In addition”, he said, “the people of this area have also provided financial support for our efforts. Literally hundreds of caring people from Moore County have joined in the effort of providing the best possible program of care for those less fortunate children.”
Walter Thomas, who began high school while living at Boys Home in 1966, was the alumnus testimonial speaker. After high school and with help from the Boys Home, he graduated from NC State University. He now has his own forestry consultant business and lives with his wife, Jean, at Woodlake in Moore County.
Carolyn Register, local advisory group chairman, gave closing remarks, introduced her committee members and thanked everyone for attending. She asked each person attending to tell at least six others about Boys and Girls Homes and how the organization has helped children from Moore County and the entire state of North Carolina.
The 14 children who came to Pinehurst were presented a 50th anniversary cake, enough for 90 servings, to take back to Boys and Girls Homes to those who could not attend the big event.
The event was planned and carried out through a local advisory group who raised the funds, did the promotion, and created the invitation list including current and past donors from Moore and Lee counties. Also serving on the Advisory Board were Barbara Blake, Henry Brown, Rob & Mary Lou Dalziel, Josie Gaddy, Don Goulet, Charles Hammond, Betty Hurst, Brad Logsdon, Linda Piechota, Carolyn Smith, Nancy Smith and Paul Laird, development staff member from Boys and Girls Homes.
It was a very festive occasion with the Country Club of North Carolina ballroom filled with green, gold and white balloons climbing to the ceiling out of gold foil packages. Decorating was planned and carried out by Hartley Fitts, Sybil Boone and friends.
Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, Inc. is a privately funded non-sectarian, not-for-profit agency that provides care for children needing an out-of-home placement for as long as is necessary and practical. The campus is located on the shores of Lake Waccamaw in southeastern North Carolina.
Boys Home of N.C. was founded in 1954. Girls Haven, home for girls, was moved to the Lake Waccamaw campus in 1990. The name was changed to Boys and Girls Homes of NC, Inc. There are six cottages for boys and three cottages for girls on campus. The Lions, Civitans, Jaycees, Rotarians, Kiwanians and Optimists built the cottages.
Boys and Girls Homes provide a home for 130-140 children daily. More than 3,000 children have been a part of the Boys and Girls Homes family, 40 from Moore County.
