WILMINGTON — It’s once again time for the annual Cape Fear Volunteer Center’s Heart of the Matter fashion show. This year’s event is being held at Ironclad Brewery in downtown Wilmington, and proceeds are being used to help fund the organization’s Big Buddy program.
Director of the Cape Fear Volunteer Center Annie Anthony founded the CFVC in 2005 as a non-profit organization as a way to help those in need around the community. The center offers several services to residents in the region helping match individuals in need with service agencies, Anthony said.
Prior to 2006 the Big Buddy program was run by Family Services; in fact, the program is almost 60 years old, she said. Family Services turned to CFVC and asked Anthony to take over the program and it has been in her hands ever since.
Big Buddy helps at-risk youths, both male and female, by pairing them with a volunteer who becomes the “little buddy’s” “big buddy.” The program helps youth in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, and some of Onslow counties.
Big Buddies commit to at least one year with their little buddy, and dedicate at least 8 hours to spend together. Anthony said big buddies are able to take their little buddies wherever they want, from the beach to roller-skating.
The fashion show is a fundraising event that will help provide for services provided by the Big Buddy program, which includes helping to pay for insurance and other necessities for the organization to continue, Anthony said.
The organization has lots of interns and some steady volunteers, but no paid staff, so the fundraisers help with rent as well.
When it comes to volunteers, the Big Buddy program is always in need with more than 300 kids in the program and only around 200 volunteers, Anthony said.
The fashion show which is being held on Feb. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. is organized by Wilmington’s own Donna George, who has been in the fashion industry for more than 30 years.
Tickets to the event can be purchased online or the night of the event at the door, Anthony said.
Michael Praats can be reached at Michael.p@localvoicemedia.com
