Outer Banks Seafood Festival announces endowment in support of fishing industry

The Outer Banks Seafood Festival Board of Directors is pleased to announce that a portion of the proceeds from the 2022 festival in the amount of $10,000 have been set aside and added to the Outer Banks Seafood Festival Endowment Fund. The purpose of these funds is to allow the festival to provide support for the fishing industry on the Outer Banks.

Eligible entities for funds include commercial fishermen, fish houses, charter/head boats, and other entities that support this industry. All requests must be from Outer Banks entities (Dare, Currituck, and Hyde Counties). Funds may be awarded to assist the fishing community with healthcare/medical emergencies, equipment needs or repair needs, food and supplies, etc.

Fund applications will be reviewed by the Outer Banks Seafood Festival Fund committee on a quarterly basis in March, June, September, and December. Emergency fund requests may be considered on an “as needed” basis. Fund recipients will be notified of award and disbursements made no later than 14 days following the approval of the application and proof of fund expenditures. Payment of these funds will be made either via a purchase order or as a reimbursement once expenses are incurred.

Fund applications can be found on the festival website at www.outerbanksseafoodfestival.org or by contacting Karen Brown, Executive Director of the festival, at kbrown@outerbankschamber.com or at (252) 441-8144.

The purposes for which the Outer Banks Seafood Festival is organized are to provide a fun and educational experience, and honor and celebrate our coastal seafood heritage and community. These purposes are exclusively nonprofit, charitable, and educational.

Since 2012, the festival has generated nearly $80,000 in grants and financial support for local maritime industry members in need. The 2023 Festival date is Saturday, October 21; event information is available at https://www.outerbanksseafoodfestival.org.

Contributions to the new Seafood Festival Endowment can be made online at www.obcf.org/donate or by sending a check to OBCF, 13 Skyline Road, Southern Shores, NC 27949.