Avon Benefit Concert raises more than $13,000 for the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad

An August 15 “End of Summer Party” and benefit concert at the Koru Beach Klub in Avon raised more than $13,000 for the non-profit Hatteras Island Rescue Squad, thanks to generous donations from local businesses and the island community.

The Hatteras Island Rescue Squad (HIRS) is a familiar presence on the beaches of southern Hatteras Island during the summer months, as the roughly 30-member volunteer team routinely patrols the shoreline on weekdays from Memorial Day until Labor Day, and conducts hundreds of water rescues every year.

But the organization does a lot more than just provide a safe shoreline for beachgoers from Avon to Hatteras to enjoy. HIRS regularly assists the Dare County EMS and other authorities in emergencies and accidents, and also provides public-facing services, like regular CPR classes or education on rip current safety.

A team of seven was responsible for launching the fundraising concert, which included Joe Thompson, Elijah Thompson, and Ellisa Thompson from the Koru site, and Karen Fletcher, Marcia Laricos, Michelle Scarborough and Maggie Williams from HIRS.

The “To the Rescue” concert, which featured 1980s dance band Raygun Ruby, was able to raise a total of $13,910 towards a new Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) for HIRS. A hefty contributor to the fundraising success was the raffle, which featured packages from local businesses, including a big and coveted prize of a custom surfboard donated by Real Watersports.

Donations were also accepted in casual receptacles stationed throughout the Beach Klub facilities, and the combination of supporting a local cause and the amazing music provided by local band Raygun Ruby brought out the islander crowd.

Based on the success of this year’s fundraiser – which raised roughly $3,000 more than 2023’s HIRS End of Summer party – it looks like this August charity concert will become a new annual tradition.

“This little island is amazing, and we are grateful to be a part of it,” said Ellisa Thompson. “A huge thank you to the local businesses who donated the awesome raffle, rocking music by Raygun Ruby, and everyone who was a part of it.

“‘A rising tide lifts all ships’ and that is exactly what we are doing when we join together to help each other.”

How you can help

For more information and to make a donation to the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad, visit the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HIRS35. The HIRS Facebook page also has daily beach conditions and ocean reports in the summer months. 

Donations can be sent via a check, and also through Venmo (@HatterasIslandRescue).