Federation raises more than $1,800 for Hatteras United Methodist Church’s storm relief efforts
The numbers are in, and the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s 2017 Hatteras Island Oyster Roast raised more than $1,800 for storm relief efforts administered by the Hatteras United Methodist Church.
The event, which was held on Feb. 4, drew approximately 400 people, and the event proceeds were $3,756.38 in total. The federation donated 50 percent — $1,878.19 — to the support the church’s ongoing cleanup and repair efforts in Hatteras, where many residents are still dealing with damage from Hurricane Matthew and other storms from this past fall.
Sara Hallas, coastal education coordinator at the federation’s Wanchese office, worked with Pastor Toni Wood to work out the details.
“Hatteras was hit particularly hard this year,” Hallas said. “And they have been such wonderful partners and champions of the federation over the years, so we wanted to give back.”
The church has a list of 60 people who are still displaced from their homes due to hurricane damage. The donation will help with necessary repair costs and other essential needs to allow them to move back in.
The other half of the proceeds will benefit the federation’s education and restoration programs in the Outer Banks.
The federation has hosted the oyster roast since 2014 in Hatteras. This year, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau sponsored the event and awarded the federation a grant to help offset the costs.
Most of the Dare County commissioners attended the oyster roast, as did state Rep. Beverly Boswell and state Sen. Bill Cook.
Hallas said that despite the cold that day, there was plenty of sunshine and warm food for people to eat. Attendees devoured more than 60 bushels of North Carolina oysters and plenty of clam chowder.
Ernie Foster, long-time Hatteras resident and federation board member, was very pleased with the turnout and support from the community.
“The Coastal Federation does a better job than anyone promoting good stewardship of the environment,” he said.
Daniel Pullen, a local professional photographer, took photos at the event, which can be viewed here.
About the North Carolina Coastal Federation
The North Carolina Coastal Federation is a nonprofit membership organization that works to keep the coast of North Carolina a great place to live, work and play. Through a variety of programs and partnerships, the federation provides for clean coastal waters and habitats, advocates to protect the coast and teaches and informs people about the coast and what they can do to protect it. The federation has offices in Ocean, Wanchese and Wrightsville Beach, N.C. To learn more, please visit nccoast.org or call 252-393-8185.
