First-Ever Waves Over War Festival raises more than $5,000 for Ukraine

The first-ever Waves Over War Festival, which was held on the grounds of Kavon Park next to the Avon Pier on May 29, raised more than $5,000 for World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization that is currently providing meals to Ukrainian families in need.

The Waves Over War Festival was the brainchild of Elijah Thompson and Ellisa Thompson, and the event featured live music, local artists, vendors, food trucks, a raffle, and additional enticements that attracted a big Memorial Day Weekend crowd. And while the end result was a full-fledged festival, organizers say that they were amazed at how everything came together.

“This all started three days into the conflict. I was sitting in my car thinking ‘What can I do about it?’ It’s really easy to think that there is not much you can do to help, and to fall into despair, and then do nothing,” said local musician and event organizer, Elijah Thompson. “So I thought, “What do I have to offer? I have creativity, musical talent, and a family that has the space to provide for an event, and the idea came from there.”

Elijah and Ellisa both credit the support of the community and local businesses for the event’s success, as once the idea was formed, many people jumped in to lend a hand and help raise funds for Ukraine.

“At the time, there was just the intention. The follow-through has only been because the community wanted to make the festival happen,” said Elijah. “To see so many people open their hearts – I’m just blown away.”

The Sunday evening event was bolstered by beautiful sunny weather, and people spent the evening drifting in and out, purchasing snacks, perusing the vendors, or just relaxing in a lawn chair and listening to live music as Mary Joy McDaniel and local band After School Surf Club and Friends hit the stage.

Though the event was free and open to the public, by the end of the night, the inaugural Waves Over War Festival raised thousands of dollars, with donations continuing to trickle in.

“We just want to say thank you to everyone who was a huge help in making this a reality,” said Elijah after the event. “Stu’s Food Truck, Roots and Leaves, Ocean Atlantic Rentals, Koru Village, Donald Gwin for the sound, Jimmy Gardner, Mary Joy McDaniel for the music, and our crafts vendors: Molly Hanburger, Dan Gray, Stephanie Marsceill, Kennedy Fletcher and Jasmine Morrow, Carolina Cupcakes, and Kasia Sliwa.”

“And thanks to our raffle donors, [including] Lots Of Paws, Hatteras Island Boardsports, Buxton Munch, Koru Village, After School Surf Club, Coastal Kiteboarding and Paddle, [and the] Avon Volunteer Fire Department.”

“Most importantly, thanks to our amazing community of people here in Hatteras who showed us the power of love and togetherness.”

How to Help

Donations are still being accepted throughout the week for anyone who wishes to contribute. Donations can be accepted on Venmo via @Waves_Over_War, or by visiting Spa Koru or Pangea in Avon.