As late as Wednesday afternoon, I was headed out to a luncheon as my neighborhood was finally clearing. Calling ahead to confirm it was still going on proved to be a beneficial move because it had been postponed to March. And looking ahead to this weekend, many programs were pre-emptively rescheduled prior to the wintry mix on Friday.
So, my week about town started quite late. On Thursday, I attended the AMBUCS presentation ceremony and fundraiser held at Alivia's Bistro in downtown Durham. The event was produced by the RDU Friends Chapter of AMBUCS.
AMBUCS is a community service organization with a national mission to help people with disabilities by providing assistance to aid in their independence and mobility. The organization has chapters all across the country and its national headquarters is close by in High Point.
The gathering Thursday was an intimate one. RDU Chapter president Jennifer Dupree was on hand greeting supporters throughout the evening. According to Dupree, the RDU chapter is quite new, having its first major event last October. The group services individuals in Wake and Durham counties along with its surrounding areas.
One of the major programs of AMBUCS is the AmTryke Project. The AmTryke is a therapeutic tricycle that children with disabilities can use either by foot or hand driving it. Nationally, chapters hold fundraisers to assist families with getting an AmTryke. Just before Christmas, the RDU Chapter presented an AmTryke to Kim Thompson of Durham and her son, Calvin.
Thompson shared that it was such a blessing to receive the tricycle. She added that with the challenging weather, she and her son had not had a lot of time to be out, but he has gotten the hang of riding it.
Triangle Brewing Company and Alivia's were the major sponsors of Thursday's event. Along with the two companies, there were also volunteers on hand to make sure that the event ran smoothly.
Jana Bradley was one of those volunteers. She said when she found out the mission of the organization it was hard to say no to its cause.
The RDU Chapter is still less than a year old, but expect to see more fundraising and networking opportunities from the group. Dupree shared that though their primary focus is raising funds, the organization also stresses networking to bring the community together.
The local chapter is still working on its Web site, but look for it soon. To learn more about the national organization, please visit www.ambucs.org.
American Heart Month time for many benefits
February is American Heart Month. There are numerous events scheduled throughout the month to bring attention to the fact that heart disease is the number one killer of women. The American Red Cross along with some its national sponsors are involved with various programs.
First, today marks the last day of Wear Red Day Promotion. Macy's, one of the sponsors for Go Red For Women, will offer all-day savings for customers who wear red in the stores.
Also, the Triangle Heart Gala will commemorate its 25th Anniversary on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center. The event will feature an auction, dinner, along with music and dancing with Chairmen of the Board.
Another health-related event is coming up: The Chocolate Affair will be on Valentine's Day at the Carolina Club on the campus of UNC. The event will take place from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and is a fundraiser for the Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center. Supporters will be able to sample wines and chocolates (both good for the heart, in moderation) while enjoying great music and great auction items.
February is also Black History Month and a number of community programs and special events are planned for the area to commemorate the occasion.
Noted physician Ben Carson will have a book signing at McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium on the campus of N.C. Central University. This will take place on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Over at Duke University, there is a jazz event scheduled at the Mary Lou Williams Center on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. Performers include Duke music students, special guests artist and Duke's own John Brown, the director of the Jazz Studies Program. Hors d' oeuvres and drinks will be served and admission is free.
The next day, Thursday, the Spirit of Hayti Awards Ceremony and Gala will take place at the Hayti Heritage Center. The black-tie fundraising event will begin with a silent auction, dinner and awards ceremony and will kick off at 6 p.m.
Angela Ray is an actress, author and motivational speaker. For comments or tips on future events, e-mail her at Angela@mahoganydime.com.
