Volunteers and staff are hosting the first annual “Ocracoke Seafood Festival Health Center Benefit” on Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Berkley Barn, 58 Water Plant Rd.

All proceeds from this event will go to much needed repairs to the Health Center’s nearly 40-year-old building, program expansion, and operations.

The Ocracoke Health Center became a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in 2013, receiving federal grant funds each year.

“Those funds allow the health center to provide more patient services and provide a discount for patients unable to pay for medical care,” said CEO Cheryl Ballance. “Grant funding and patient payments do not cover all costs, especially the increasing need for discounted medical care and repairs to our aging and weather-beaten building.”

Tickets for fish, shrimp or oysters are $10 for one choice, $20 for two and $30 for all three.

Live music, a live and silent auction, and local seafood will be the highlights of the event.
3 to 5 p.m. – Silent Auction
4 p.m. – Food Served
4 to 6 p.m. – Live Music: Barefoot Wade
6 to 7 p.m. – Live Auction
7 p.m. – Live Music: Ocracoke Rockers
8:30 to 9:45 p.m. – Live Music: Raygun Ruby

Visit www.ocracokeseafoodfestival.org for a schedule of events, sponsorship, how to donate and volunteer, and more information.

The Ocracoke Health Center is a community owned and operated, private non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation established and operating since 1981 as a provider of family practice medical care.

Their mission is to provide quality, accessible, affordable, community-based medical care with respect and dignity to all individuals in a culturally sensitive manner.

No one is refused care if they are unable to pay for services. A discount plan is offered to all, and eligibility is based on income and family size.

Those wishing to make a donation can contact the health center at 252-928-1511, or send donations by mail to P.O. Box 543, Ocracoke, NC 27960.