students at the University.
The August 7th SOS Beach Party, the University's first
fundraising event of its kind, was a smashing success.
More than 300 people shagged to beach music and sam-
pled seafood while raising a total of $65,000 for UNCP's
distressed scholarships.
Eleven sponsors contributed $3,000 each and 25
corporate tables were reserved at $1,000 each. The con-
tributions helped fill a hole in the University scholarship
endowments, which went "underwater" during the recent
turmoil in the financial markets, said Sandy Waterkotte,
vice chancellor of the Office for Advancement, which
staged the event.
"When you're in need, your friends come to the res-
cue," Waterkotte said. "Our students have a lot of friends,
and we exceeded our most optimistic goal.
"We don't know yet how many students will benefit,
but it could be as many as
100," she said. "Just as im-
portant, we had a great time
meeting old friends and making
new ones."
With little experience in
events of this kind, University
officials wondered about the
turnout. Chancellor Charles
Jenkins, a UNCP veteran of 38
years, was pleased by the sold-
out event.
"I am sincerely thankful to everyone who turned out
to support our students during this time," Dr. Jenkins said.
"This event will stand out as one of the most pleasant and
productive that I have ever attended at the University."
A local committee did much of the legwork. The com-
mittee included: Grady Hunt `86, Mickey Gregory `88,
Carolyn Floyd-Robinson `05, Kellie Blue `93, Kent Chavis
`91, Mickey Meekins, Aaron Thomas `99, Bruce Mullis,
James Granger and Larry Chavis `72.
Gregory, who is a director of UNCP's Alumni Asso-
ciation and the Lumberton Visitors Bureau, said it was a
"lovely evening."
"As a UNCP graduate, I was happy to help out," Greg-
ory said. "I was pleased with the turnout because it shows
that people will come out to support a good cause.
"I'm proud that we have the University because it is a
tremendous asset to this community," she said.
Kellie Blue, a member of UNCP's Foundation Board of
Directors, said a diverse group of graduates and non-grad-
uates attended the Beach Party.
"I believed from the start it would be a successful
event," said Blue, who is finance director for Robeson
beach theme and the relaxed atmosphere."
The committee worked hard to fill tables and get spon-
sorships, said Teresa Oxendine, assistant vice chancellor
for donor relations.
"The idea for a beach party began as a one-time event,
but because it was so successful, we may reconsider that
strategy," Oxendine said.
The success of the event has raised the question of turn-
ing it into an annual event.
"I've heard nothing but good comments," Blue said. "I
believe people will be excited to come next year."
"Every person on the committee was committed to the
success of this event," said Alisia Oxendine, director for
major gifts. "It was a great time, and everyone there under-
stood that they were making a difference in the lives of our
students."
Sponsors were critical to cost saving. UNCP graduates
is also a trustee) sponsored the
Holiday Band, which contrib-
uted $500 back to scholarships.
Debbie's Destinations of
St. Pauls contributed the grand
prize, a cruise for two to the
Bahamas. Cyna's Jewelers
provided three, two-day resort
hotel stays. The Inn at Ellis
Square contributed a week-
end getaway to Savannah, Ga.
UNCP Bookstore and Outback Steakhouse. Pembroke True
Value Hardware helped decorate the beach.
Event sponsors included: Booz/Allen/Hamilton, The
Commons of Pembroke, Debbie's Destinations, First Bank,
Lumberton Radiological Associates, Metcon Construction,
New Life Services, Inc., Pates Supply Co., Inc., R.A. Jef-
freys Distributing, Scotland Memorial Hospital and Paul
and Pat Willoughby.
Home Health Care, Claybourn Walters Company, Inc.,
Cyna's Jewelers, Dr. Robin Cummings, Fuller's Barbeque,
Golden Corral, Locklear, Hunt, Jacobs and Brooks, Jeff and
Robin Jones, Lewis and Lewis, CPAs, Lloyd, Meekins and
Sons Auction Company, LREMC, Lumbee Guaranty Bank,
Lumberton Visitors Bureau, Lumberton Children's Clinic,
Lumberton Drug Company, Pembroke Hardware, Pem-
broke Pointe Apartments, Pembroke Wal-Mart, Porter Sci-
entific, Robeson County Commissioners, Robeson County
Department of Social Services, Southeastern Regional
Medical Center, TARA Group and Lennis Watts.