The money for the contribution was raised from proceeds generated at the Have-A-Heart Dance, an annual event at the Southern Pines Elks Lodge hosted by the Pinecrest, O’Neal School and Union Pines Key Clubs. The Elks Club generously donates the facility each year, helping the key clubs minimize their expenses.
The Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, Inc. is a non-profit, private organization that provides care for abused or neglected children in need of a temporary residence.
The home at Lake Waccamaw houses 90 youth from newborn to 18 years old. Carolina Kiwanis Clubs and affiliated Key Clubs have long supported the association and continue to assist with upkeep.
The Key Clubs’ current district project, “Keys to the Vans,” raises money to fund the replacement of the aging vans used to transport the children to the activities in which they are involved.
The profits of the Have-A-Heart Dance have benefited the Boys and Girls Home for the past five years, enabling the establishment to purchase new vehicles in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
The Pinecrest Key Club students traveled to Lake Waccamaw with advisor Vicki Reynolds on March 16 and attended church with the children of the Boys and Girls Home. After the service, the group personally delivered the check to Hewitt.
“I was very moved by the experience,” Reynolds said. “The sweet nature of the kids, in spite of their tragic home life and their struggle to cope at such a young age with such hardship, was overwhelming.”
The Key Club members toured the vicinity as well, and discussed the possibility of another visit to the home to assist with forthcoming fundraisers.
The Pinecrest Key Club was awarded first place for its benefit dance in the district project competition at the Carolina District Key Club Convention. The local club also received second place for its single service project with special needs students, which was headed by Vice President Lauren McNeill.
Club Secretary Megan Patnode and President Karen White were recognized for outstanding service in executive office.
