1280 Central Drive | Southern Pines, NC 28387 | (910) 692-3323
The
Centerpiece
108 Crow Run | Rockingham, NC 28379 | (910) 997-7160
News from Sandhills Children’s Center
Up to the Challenge
Summer 2014
Cole Foundation Grant Gives Rise to Inaugural Duck Derby
Earlier this year, Sandhills Children’s Center submitted a grant request to The Cole
Foundation in order to fund a $40,000 playground renovation project at its Rockingham
Campus. In April, The Cole Foundation countered the $40,000 request with a challenge,
offering $25,000 but only after Sandhills Children’s Center raised $15,000. “They did
not say yes, but they did not say no,” said CEO Melanie Gayle. “We could either hang our
heads in disappointment, or we could come together and make it happen.”
Making it happen would require imagination and collaboration; so, a team was assembled
and, in mid-April, a plan was hatched. There were a number of small-scale fund raisers
scheduled, including a give-back night at Ironwood Cafe, a cookie dough sale, the Pigs-4-Kids BBQ Sale and Pennies for the Playground
jars. But, to get to the $15,000, the team knew it needed a flagship event, something that would account for a significant chunk of the
money. Enter the inaugural Hitchcock Creek Duck Derby. Excitement for the event was immediately palpable. “We have tried a number
of events in Richmond County with some success,” said Director of Events Teresa Copper. “But until [the Duck Derby] we hadn’t found
anything that was worth repeating every year.”
The inaugural Duck Derby was a resounding success. Sandhills Children’s Center
employees and dozens of volunteers spent the six weeks leading up to the June 1 event
selling tickets to “foster ducks.” As of Thursday, May 29, the team had sold tickets to
all 5,000 ducks. On Sunday, June 1, the Children’s Center hosted the inaugural Duck
Derby at the Steele Street Access of Hitchcock Creek near downtown Rockingham.
Hundreds came out for the festival-style gathering to enjoy food, games, live music
and, of course, the marquis event: a rubber duck race for the ages. In the end, the
first-place Super Duck was fostered by Hannah Roberts; she took home the $1,500 top
prize. Donna Johnson fostered the second-place Lucky Duck and won a cool $500. Over 50 other participants won prizes from various
local businesses. At the conclusion of The Cole Foundation Challenge Grant Campaign, Sandhills Children’s Center not only met its
$15,000 goal, but exceeded it by raising a net total of over $22,000. The Rockingham Campus will break ground on its new outdoor
learning environment July 1. “We are just thrilled at the response of the Richmond County community,” said Gayle. “There is no
question, the Duck Derby is here to stay.” The second annual Hitchcock Creek Duck Derby is slated for June 7, 2015. t
Helping Hands
A Very Special Volunteer Honored at Graduation
The Perry T. Shilts Helping Hands Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service has been presented each year
since 2007 by Sandhills Children’s Center. The award was created to memorialize Mr. Shilts after his death in
2006; he volunteered daily at the Center for 17 years and his impact will last forever. At this year’s graduation
in Southern Pines, the award was presented to Jim Horne, also known to many as Santa Claus. He has been
volunteering for over five years in many capacities. In 2008, Jim volunteered his time and talent as Santa at the
annual Festival of Trees. He has served in that capacity every year since. Additionally, he visits the Southern
Pines Campus of Sandhills Children’s Center every December and gives a toy to each child, a treat that has come
to brighten the Holidays for hundreds of children. “There are few people who are as gentle, selfless, and kind as
Jim Horne,” said CEO Melanie Gayle. “His willingness to give - not just of his time but of himself - epitomizes
what Helping Hands is all about; we are grateful to have him in our lives, and so are our little ones.” t
The mission of Sandhills Children’s Center is to provide services of the highest quality for children with
and without special developmental needs, ages birth through five.
The Centerpiece
Summer 2014
The Teacher’s Corner
The Many Hats of Justin Clark - Rockingham Campus
Justin Clark (right) began working at the Rockingham Campus of Sandhills Children’s Center as
an administrative assistant in 2012. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in History from UNC Wilmington in 2008, he spent some time assessing what he wanted to do. As Justin puts it, “I majored
in history because it was interesting to me. I never expected to do get a job as a librarian or anything;
I just wanted to learn.” In 2011, Justin decided the trajectory his career would take by enrolling in
graduate school at Fayetteville State University to receive his Masters in Special Education. “I realized
that teaching, especially in special education, was something that would be rewarding and fun,”
Justin recalls. After serving as Director for The Wellness Center of the Carolinas in Laurinburg,
Jusin took a job at Richmond Community College. During this time, a friend mentioned that
Sandhills Children's Center needed some part time help in its office. "It worked out really well; I
would finish up at the college in mid-afternoon and work at the Children's Center afterwards," says
Justin. "In my mind, it was the perfect setting to gain some experience in special education.”
In late 2012, Justin was seeking a couple of different teaching positions with Richmond County Schools. Despite not yet having his
Masters, he hoped to get hired contingent upon his completing his graduate work. In one instance, he made it to Human Resources
before being told his credentials were not sufficient for the position. “I was disappointed but, looking back, I’m glad it happened,” he
recalls. Upon learning this news, Melanie Carnes, Director of Center Services at the Rockingham Campus, asked Justin if he would
be interested in taking a recently-opened Educational Specialist position at Sandhills Children’s Center. “It’s so great how it worked
out,” says Justin. “Sometimes when you don’t get what you think you want, something better is right in front of you.”
In January of this year Justin’s role at the Rockingham Campus came full circle when he was promoted to Assistant Director. He has
also retained his role as Educational Specialist; to Justin, being able to serve a dual role suits him perfectly. “I’m glad now that I had
as much administrative experience as I did,” he says. “Going back and forth from classroom to office and vice versa is good for me.
I like the change of pace.” In December, Justin will complete his graduate work and earn his Masters in special education. “I’m glad
it will be over,” he says. “But these kids have taught me so much already, the diploma just seems like a formality at this point.” t
Celebrating Our Graduates
Both Campuses Send Students Off to Kindergarten
Parents, teachers and staff gathered on June 5 in Southern Pines and
on June 12 in Rockingham to look on with pride as the Sandhills
Children’s Center Classes of 2014 celebrated their graduations.
In Southern Pines, the ceremony was held at Sandhills Presbyterian
Church. To highlight the evening, the young graduates sang their
own version of Florida Georgia Line’s Cruise all about heading off
to Kindergarten. Each child was called by name across the stage to
receive a diploma and new book bag for the upcoming school year.
The Rockingham Campus held its graduation ceremony at Roberdel
Baptist Church the following Thursday. Students showed off their
singing skills by performing If You’re Happy and You Know It and
Heading Off to Kindergarten. Highlighting the celebration was a video with classes nine and ten dancing to the popular hit song Happy
by Pharrell Williams. Each child crossed the stage and received a diploma and new book bag.
All together, 60 students graduated from Sandhills Children's Center. In Rockingham, teachers and staff said goodbye to 26 students;
in Southern Pines, 34 young girls and boys will head to the halls of a new school. We are proud of each of our graduates and are
confident they are heading to Kindergarten prepared to learn and grow in new and incredible ways! t
Important Dates to Remember
Brixx Pizza Gives Back - Tuesday, July 15
Bocce Bash - Saturday, August 16, 2014
Festival of Trees - November 19-23, 2014
Kelly Cup - Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Run for the Roses - Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Duck Derby - Sunday, June 7, 2015
The Centerpiece
Summer 2014
In with the New
Board of Directors Holds Annual Transition Gathering
The Sandhills Children’s Center Board of
Directors met for the last time this fiscal year
on Thursday, June 5, 2014, for an important
transitional gathering. The meeting was held
at the home of Walter and Tina Fasolak.
Board members are allowed to serve up to two
consecutive three-year terms before stepping
down. The transitional gathering serves two
important roles, first in acclimating new board
members and second, in thanking those stepping
Back Row (from left to right): Zandra Clark, Tina Fasolak, Cathy down for giving of their time and talents.
Larose, Bob Lloyd, John Hutchinson, Larry Weatherly, John Dempsey, Sandhills Children’s Center is grateful to Tina
Fasolak, Bob Lloyd, Cathy Larose and Wendy
Nanci Harp, Chris Harp; Front Row (from left to right): Kirsten
Foyles, Kärin Kent, Bonnie Parker
Smithson for their service to its mission. In their
stead, Rob Barrett, Zandra Clark, Chris Harp and Andy Wellener are welcomed to the fold. Bonnie Parker
will serve as Chair for the upcoming year. The Board of Directors plays a critical role in the ongoing vitality
of Sandhills Children’s Center. Success is certain to continue under great leadership in 2014-15. t
2014-15
Board of Directors
Rob Barrett
Tom Boals
Zandra Clark
John Dempsey, PhD
Kirsten Foyles
Chris Harp
Nanci Harp, DDS
Nicole Hayden
Grant Hunsucker
John Hutchinson
Kärin Kent, MD
Greg Marks
Bonnie Parker
Brian Parkes, MD
Clint Ray
Steve Saye
Patrick J. Simpson, MD
Andy Wellener
Lisa S. Tennant
Larry Weatherly, PhD
Delightful Evening, Glorious Food Dining in the Field Was Worth Smiling About
Eighty people gathered at Sandy Woods
Farm in Pinehurst on Wednesday evening,
May 14, to support Sandhills Children's
Center and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining
experience. Many in attendance described
Dining in the Field as a nearly-perfect
evening. Sandhills Children's Center would like to thank Chef
Mark Elliott and his wife Kelly, who give their time and talent in
order to put on the event. Chef Elliott’s menu did not disappoint, as
guests enjoyed, among other dishes, local asparagus and warm duck
egg salad, grilled garden vegetables and achiote-rubbed pork, and
seafood cioppino. Thanks to donations from local farmers and other
vendors, Dining in the Field brought in a record net total of $6,335
this year. All proceeds go to benefit Sandhills Children's Center. t
Let’s Recap!
The 16th Kelly Cup & the 15th Run for the Roses by the Numbers
Seventy-two golfers participated in the 16th Annual Kelly Cup Golf Championship on
Wednesday, March 19, at Pinehurst No. 8. Players braved cold, wet conditions and a difficult
golf course to help raise over $15,000 to benefit Sandhills Children’s Center. The longstanding
success of this tournament is due, in large part, to its chair, Tom Stewart, who has helped put
the tournament together since its inception. Sandhills Children’s Center is thankful to Tom
for his hard work and dedication each year in putting on the Kelly Cup.
Kentucky Derby Hat Contest Winners. Pictured
from left to right: Molly Wagner (show), Arlene
McCue (place), and Sharon Lawson (win)
Over 350 patrons, volunteers, sponsors and vendors
filed into the Fair Barn on Friday, April 25, all to support
the Children’s Center. When it was all said and done Low gross score winners from left to right: Adam
and the dust had settled, everyone involved helped to Morris, Mark Dutton, Robert Bortins & Rick Lee
raise a gross total of over $23,000 to further the mission and vision of Sandhills Children’s
Center. It truly takes a village to pull off such an event; Sandhills Children’s Center is grateful
to everyone who participated in whatever capacity. Thanks especially to Peter Zahran of Mutual
Distributing for making Run for the Roses a reality by providing all of the wine. None of our
events would be possible without the gracious support of patrons, volunteers and many others.
Thanks to all who help to ensure early intervention and education for our children. t
The 7th Annual
Backyard
Bocce Bash
to benefit Sandhills Children’s Center
• Friday, August 15, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. - Coldwell Banker Advantage Pairings Party at the
Southern Pines Campus, featuring live entertainment from Tom Compa
• Saturday, August 16 - Backyard Bocce Bash - Pinehurst Harness Track - 8:45 am Registration
• Sign up as teams of four men and/or women
• Registrations, along with team and player names, are due by Monday, August 11
q VIP Team of Four: $350
Team Name: _______________________________________
Please print my name/business on tent sign as:
Players
___________________________________________________
Includes:
• Court-side sponsor tent for you to decorate - prize
for best decorated tent
• One team of four players
• Entry to Coldwell Banker Advantage Pairings Party
for team and four guests
q Reserved Team of Four: $150
1: First_____________________ Last___________________________
Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL
2: First_____________________ Last___________________________
Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL
3: First_____________________ Last___________________________
Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL
4: First_____________________ Last___________________________
Shirt Size: S M L XL XXL
Includes:
• Court-side space for tent (bring your own tent) prize for best decorated tent
• Entry to the Coldwell Banker Advantage Pairings
Party for team
• Guests may attend for $15 each
Alternates
q Team of Four: $100
Name as Appears on Card:_______________________________
Includes:
• One team of four players
• Entry to the Coldwell Banker Advantage Pairings
Party for team
• Guests may attend for $15 each
Street Address: ___________________________________________
q Pairings Party Guests #________ X $15 = $ _________
q I can’t attend but would like to make a donation:
$ ___________
1: First___________________ Last_______________________
2: First___________________ Last_______________________
Payment Method: q
Check q
Master Card q
Visa
City, State, Zip: ___________________________________________
Email:_______________________ Phone: ______________________
Credit Card # ____________________________________________
Exp. Date:__________ /__________CVV Code:________________
Signature:________________________________________________
A tax receipt letter for the amount that is tax deductible will
be mailed to you.
Mail in enclosed envelope, fax to (910) 692-1114 or register at SandhillsChildrensCenter.org