By CARRIE LEE HOFFMAN

I hope this article finds everyone doing well after the storm. With the cancellation of The Scuppernong River Festival we had to recalibrate and reschedule our kickoff fundraising efforts. However, we have some exciting news to announce.

The Youth Park has been awarded $4,000 dollars toward our $10,000 dollar goal, thanks to a grant written by Tyrrell County Schools. In addition to this grant money our awesome local businesses have collected $148 in our “blue jars.” Full Circle Crab Company is in first place with $66, second place goes to Elements Cafe with $35, third place goes to Vineyards on the Scuppernong with $27 and fourth place goes to Columbia Crossing with $20.

Our Raffle tickets are back on sale with the same prizes and a new date and time.  The raffle winners will be announced on Dec. 9 during half time of the varsity boys’ game as they take on Creswell. We’d like to thank everyone that has helped on so many levels to make this dream a possibility for the youth in our community.

Our hope is to provide a place and space where our youth are welcome to gather together and exercise and play in a safe environment. Stay tuned for more updates in our progress.

Carrie Lee Hoffman is a member of the Leaders in Economic Alliance Development (LEAD) Youth Park Committee.