By Tatum Clements for Outer Banks Community Foundation
Bright blue skies lining the ocean’s horizon were the perfect backdrop for the 150+ civic leaders, nonprofit professionals, and donors who attended the Outer Banks Community Foundation’s (OBCF) Annual Meeting at Jennette’s Pier on Friday, March 7.
The meeting began with positive messages from the Community Foundation’s Board Chair Jason Waughtel and Amy Montgomery, Executive Director of Operations at Outer Banks Health, who sponsored the event’s Blue Zones-inspired lunch crafted by Chef Wes Stepp.
“The generosity of our partners was shared with the community during the 2024 Annual Meeting,” said OBCF Board Chair Jason Waughtel. “It was a pleasure witnessing the donors and grant recipients spending time together under the same roof, and it was a great opportunity for the donors to hear firsthand the impact of their generosity. We are very fortunate to call the Outer Banks home.”
Each year, the Community Foundation names its Champion Award and the Volunteer of the Year award recipients at the Annual Meeting.
Community Foundation Director Tess Judge recognized Carol Cowell as the recipient of the annual Champion Award for her lifelong dedication to the community. Cowell made the lead gift to the Carol S. and Edward D. Cowell, Jr. Cancer Center in Nags Head in honor of her late husband. She has also given to OBCF every year since 2008 and has established two funds with OBCF, including the Cowell Gratitude Grant-Making Fund.
“Carol cares about our children, College of The Albemarle, senior citizens, and the health and well-being of everyone,” said Tess Judge. “She embodies what it means to be a community champion.”
Community Foundation CEO & President Chris Sawin announced the Bob Muller Volunteer of the Year award, which went to Our EPIC Project Founders Denise and Matt Khouri for their Hurricane Helene disaster relief work through Operation Airdrop and providing reliable resources on ways to help people in Western North Carolina who were affected by the storm via social media.
“This is such a tremendous honor to be recognized as the Community Foundation’s Volunteer of the Year,” said Matt Khouri. “However, the credit is due to everyone in the Outer Banks community who donated supplies, time, expertise, and so much more to this entire relief effort. So many people came together to make it all happen. This award truly is a reflection of the amazing and selfless Outer Banks community who came together to help our fellow North Carolinians in their time of need.”
Those who attended the meeting also heard passionate presentations by recent OBCF grant and scholarship recipients.
Grants Committee Chair Frank Hester introduced Dustin Daniels and Ervin Bateman who spoke on behalf of Outer Banks Dare Challenge. In 2022 Dare Challenge was awarded a $30,000 grant for its new facility in Wanchese that will triple its capacity for housing individuals in its substance abuse treatment program. And, in 2024, Dare Challenge was the recipient of a Community Enrichment Grant to support their Women’s Center Gardens and a donor-advised grant from the Wolfinger-Jones Family Fund.
“We are about to finish a new building for 50 people who are in recovery,” said Outer Banks Dare Challenge Executive Director Dustin Daniels. “The building includes new dorms, and we are working on something that nobody has done before- a recovery college. The college will help with life after rehab. We are planning to partner with the College of The Albemarle and local businesses to help people return to society. They will have a resume, a certificate, a bank account, and a plan to move forward toward success.”
The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Committee Chair Robin Mann introduced 2022 OBCF scholarship recipient Mya Murphy, who spoke about the Community Foundation’s unwavering support of her college journey and how donors help change students’ lives.
“You have built a stronger community and helped change lives,” said Mya Murphy. “The effect of your generosity extends much further than just the student. My journey doesn’t end here- your support inspires me to give back to my community. I am on track to graduate in August, and I recently accepted a position with Outer Banks Health, which will start in September. Education is one of the most powerful tools. Thank you for believing in me.”
At the meeting, the Community Foundation welcomed Michael Basnight, Jim Gilreath, and Natalie Mead to the OBCF’s Board of Directors’ Class of 2027.
The meeting concluded with recognition of OBCF’s outgoing Directors Noel Preston and Jean Louise Dixon along with an uplifting message from Chris Sawin.
“Our role is to inspire our community,” said OBCF President & CEO Chris Sawin. “I want you to think of the impact of grant-making funds. We’ve funded programs that have stood the test of time. What are the things that you care about the most? How do you want to make a difference in our community? I encourage you to become a grantmaker!”
If you are interested in creating a charitable fund, visit OBCF.org or call the Community Foundation at 252-423-3003. Funds can be created to memorialize loved ones, support a favorite issue or charity, provide scholarships, and more.
About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.
