Fish Fry Fundraiser Was a Huge Success
The fundraiser was organized by Dani Gilbert to benefit Jessica Caldwell and Jeffrey Walters and their new babies, Cora and Sam.
It was the kind of event that makes you proud to live in this community. People volunteered and donated and came out in droves. The crowd was very local, but visitors caught the spirit, too, and joined in the fun. Even the weather cooperated with a beautiful day. The food was delicious, and enjoying it among friends and neighbors under the live oak trees at Books to Be Red was the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
It takes a village to put on something this wonderful, and the Current would like to acknowledge the efforts of Dani Gilbert, Leslie Lanier, Erick O'Neal (who caught and donated the fish, then stood in line to buy his plate), Sherry Atkinson, William Howard, Scott McNally, Tyler Gilbert, Beaver Tillett, Justin LeBlanc, Matteus Gilbert, Kyle Tillett, Andrew Tillett, Karmen Laton, Sara Batchelor, Jocelyn Wright, Jon Lea, Willis Gupton, Robin Turner, Megan Aldridge, Crystal Canterbury and the middle school girls' volleyball game.
Local businesses and artists donated to the raffle and silent auction. Raffle tickets were sold at Over the Moon, Books to Be Red, the Post Office and the Variety Store.
Thanks go to: Kay Riddick, Angie's Gym, Schooner Windfall, Mermaid's Folly, Over the Moon, Pirate's Chest, Bella Fiore, Island Artworks, Secret Garden Gallery, Zillie's Island Pantry, Tradewinds Bait and Tackle, Variety Store, Beach Resume, Callie Davisson Massage, Cindy Fiore at Ocracoke Massage, Laura Hardy at Stillwater Spa, Grace West at Float with Grace, Amy Owens at Ambu Naturals, Jason Daniels, Ocracoke Pizza Co., Jason's Restaurant, SMacnally's, Back Porch Restaurant, Cafe Atlantic, Flying Melon, Gaffer's, Jolly Roger, Pony Island Restaurant, Topless Oyster, Ocracoke Seafood Company, Anchorage Inn, Pony Island Motel, Village Print, Ocracoke Coffee Company, Mary Bassell, Barbara Hardy, Bob Ray, Jean Skipper, Brian Carter at Carter Photography, Kevin Hardy, and Norma Sigal.
If someone's name is inadvertently left off this list, please let us know and we'll add it. That's one of the perks of online publishing.
Jessica sent us this letter for the Current right after the fish fry, and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to post it:
Dear Ocracoke,
When Jeffrey and I got married, I was overwhelmed with the favors, support, and help we received. I remember thinking “how will we ever repay everyone for their kindness?” Here we are, nearly two years later, and I am wondering the same thing.
There is no doubt the past three weeks have been stressful and amazing. September 10 we left the island for our weekly doctor’s appointment, feeling fine. We even made our weekly Lowe’s trip, and then our lives were changed. When we arrived in Norfolk, me by ambulance, the doctors tried medication that did not work. Samuel’s placenta was not working properly and his heart rate was dropping. They told us he had to come out, but had a 50 to 60% chance of living. I signed the news to Jeffrey, through tears, and knew neither of us had been so scared in our lives.
The following weeks have shown both Cora Ann and Samuel David are fighters. They progress and grow every day. Even at the hardest times, we have not felt alone. We have been showered with love through calls, texts, and cards. The residents and visitors of Ocracoke have been overwhelmingly generous. Our friends and family have worked tirelessly to make sure we have everything we need through this difficult time. I am sure I don’t even know the extent to which everyone has worked and donated, but you are appreciated.
This time I will not worry about repaying the kindness. Instead, Jeffrey and I will accept your help with grace, and will do as we do in Ocracoke…pay it forward.
Thank you and Love to all,
Jessica, Jeffrey, Cora, & Samuel
