All Dressed Up

Wilmington Realtors Foundation Food Fair and Auction

November 2 2007

Coast Line Convention Center

A taste of local fare from more than 20 restaurants in the area will be offered to guests at the Wilmington Realtors Foundation’s 21st annual Food Fair and Auction. The event will take place on Friday November 2 from 6:30-10 p.m. The evening will include live music from Mich’s Orquette and both silent and live auctions. In the past this event has drawn 700-800 guests and raised more than $40 000 to support organizations such as The Parenting Place the Sertoma Club of Wilmington and Habitat for Humanity. For more information call (910) 762-7400.

Wrightsville Beach Sea Kayak Race

November 3 2007

Blockade Runner Dock Salt Marsh Kayak Co. Rental Facilities

This year marks the fourth annual Wrightsville Beach Sea Kayak Race which raises money for the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust whose mission is to enrich the state’s coastal communities through the acquisition of open space and natural areas conservation education and the promotion of good land stewardship. The race will begin on Saturday November 3 at 11 a.m. and take place at the Salt Marsh Kayak Co. Rental Facility across from the Blockade Runner. Three different races are offered so that people of all ages and skill levels can participate: A Kids’ Race (granted there are enough children participating) a 3-mile Fun Race for novices and the 6-mile Race for intermediate to advanced kayakers. There is a $35 entry fee for all participants. For more information call (910) 509-2989 or visit www.saltmarshkayak.org.

Arts & Etc. Annual Holiday Show and Sale

November 9 – 10 2007

Wrightsville Beach Museum of History

The 11th annual Holiday Show and Sale will be held at the Wrightsville Beach Museum on November 9-10 and support the history of Wrightsville Beach and the artists who are inspired by it. The fun kicks off Friday evening November 9 with a preview party from 6-8 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and nonalcoholic drinks will be served in a casual atmosphere. Artwork from 15 local artists will be on display. The main event will take place all day Saturday November 10 from 9-5 p.m. with refreshments and plenty of artwork to browse and buy. Ten percent of the sales will go toward the museum as it continues to preserve and share the history of Wrightsville Beach. For more information call (910) 228-0075.

November 9 – 12 2007

Willie Stargell Celebrity Golf Tournament and Auction Dinner

Country Club of Landfall

In April 2001 Willie Stargell beloved Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman passed away after a lengthy battle with kidney disease. In his honor Stargell’s wife Margaret Weller-Stargell established the nonprofit Willie Stargell Foundation in 2003. Every year the foundation hosts a golf tournament and auction dinner to benefit those affected by kidney disease who could not otherwise afford their medications. Last year the tournament’s 160 players and 300 auction dinner guests raised more than $225 000. For this year’s fifth Annual Golf Tournament and Auction Dinner Pirates teammates notable sports figures and friends will return to once more remember Stargell and to raise money for the battle against kidney disease. Guests will have the opportunity for autographs to view noted sports memorabilia and to bid on auction items donated by the players themselves. For the weekend’s schedule of events or to reserve tickets visit the foundation’s Web site at www.williestargellfoundation.org or contact event director Louise McColl at (910) 350-1211 ext. 1.

2007 Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network Gala

November 16 2007

Warwick Center Ballroom UNCW

The Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network (WIHN) Gala is a black-tie-optional dinner with music comedy and a silent auction. Featured speakers include major league baseball player and Wilmington native Trot Nixon and comedian Dave Farrell a native North Carolinian along with other special guests. All proceeds benefit WIHN’s programs helping needy and homeless families transition to independence in the Wilmington area. Last year more than 200 guests helped raise more than $10 000. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information about the event or WIHN contact Rhonda Sowards at (910) 350-8315 or visit www.wihn.net/gala.html.

North Carolina Holiday Flotilla Captains and Sponsors Party

November 23 2007

Blockade Runner Beach Resort

At 7:30 p.m. the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla will kick off its 24th annual party and auction honoring the flotilla’s boat captains and sponsors. With a live performance by party band GrooveTown guests will rock out to their favorite hits of the past and present. The party usually sees 350-500 guests. The festivities will continue on Saturday November 24 with Festival in the Park followed by the magnificent lighted boat procession and fireworks and an awards luncheon will be held on Sunday November 25. For more information or to reserve tickets for the Captains and Sponsors Party call (910) 256-2120 or visit www.ncholidayflotilla.org.

YWCA Purse & Passion Luncheon

November 29 2007

Location to be determined

The YWCA will celebrate the power of individual philanthropy at the second Annual Purse & Passion Luncheon. Purse & Passion encourages philanthropy among women and provides an opportunity to network with others from diverse social ethnic economic educational and cultural backgrounds. Guests will hear from women whose lives have been changed by the YWCA and discover how their gifts benefit women and their families in our community. This event brings together both long-term supporters and others learning about the YWCA for the first time. Together they commit to sharing their resources to strengthen the YWCA’s capacity to touch the lives of women and their families in important and far-reaching ways. For more information call (910) 799-6820 ext. 125 or go to www.ywca-lowercapefear.org.

Festival of Trees Gala

December 1 2007

Coast Line Convention Center

Start the holiday season with the Festival of Trees’ 25th Anniversary Gala on Saturday December 1 from 7-11 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music by Carl Newton and the 5th Avenue Band and dancing amidst the glittering trees. A buffet of heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by A Southern Thyme Catering Co. will be served at this much-loved longstanding event. There will be live and silent auctions as well as raffles for some great prizes all to benefit the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation. The entire festival which lasts nine days beginning on November 24 has been relocated to the Coast Line Convention Center this year. Due to a lack of space for the growing event which raises more than $100 000 annually this year may be the festival’s finale. Come be a part of the tradition while you can. Tickets for the gala are $100 and space is very limited. For more information call (910) 772-5444. For tickets call (910) 796-8099 ext. 443.

Second Annual Wilmington Fur Ball

December 1 2007

Thalian Hall Ballroom and Studio Theater

The second Annual Wilmington Fur Ball is expected to be even more extravagant than the first which raised more than $20 000 at last year’s event. At the black tie red carpet ball guests will enjoy a selection of beverages and hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants. There will be dancing in both the Thalian Hall Ballroom and the Studio Theater to the musical stylings of 360 degrees. Proceeds from the live and silent auctions benefit animal rescue operations in the Wilmington area including Adopt an Angel and the Pender County Humane Society. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at the Thalian Hall Box Office. Pictures of last year’s extravaganza and details for this year’s event can be found at www.WilmingtonFurBall.com or www.myspace.com/wilmingtonfurball or by calling (910) 798-1946.

The Arts and Habitat Open Windows to the World

December 2 2007

St. Thomas Preservation Hall

In celebration of The Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity’s 20th anniversary more than 20 local artists will put their talents to work to transform vintage windows into distinctive works of art for a unique auction on Sunday December 2 at the St. Thomas Preservation Hall. The windows all of which were found in older homes many from historic downtown Wilmington have been donated to the Habitat for Humanity’s HomeStore. The auction will begin at 5 p.m. and guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres wine and music. The cost is $100 per couple and reservations are required. Photos will be posted on the Cape Fear Habitat’s Web site www.capefearhabitat.com for a pre-auction preview. For more information call Kitty Yerkes at (910) 762-4744.

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Good Friends of Wilmington Holiday Luncheon

December 4 2007

Holiday Inn SunSpree Wrightsville Beach

Since its inception in 1997 Good Friends of Wilmington has gathered in December to raise money for previously designated disadvantaged individuals and families living in New Hanover County whose needs are not being met by other organizations. Last year more than 500 guests raised $50 000. This year guests can look forward to a catered lunch provided by Holiday Inn SunSpree and testimonies from three newly designated families in need. All proceeds go to the families and toward next year’s event. The doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. The event is open to the public but reservations are appreciated. To save a seat call luncheon chair Deedy Vincent at (910) 256-0360.

Santa Cruise

December 8 2007

Henrietta III Riverboat

For 19 years Cape Fear River Boats and the Salvation Army have teamed up to give families the privilege of taking a two-hour cruise with Santa Claus himself. Last year all 400 tickets sold out … fast. The price of a ticket is six cans of nonperishable food and all the cans go straight into the Salvation Army’s food bank. Once aboard children can cavort with clowns enjoy snacks and hot chocolate provided by vendors and sit on Santa’s knee. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. and the ship sets sail at 10 a.m. To make a reservation call (910) 343-1611 or visit Cape Fear River Boats at www.cfrboats.com for more information.

African-American Heritage Foundation of Wilmington’s Second Annual Gala

December 14 2007

Country Club of Landfall

Last year the African-American Heritage Foundation of Wilmington hosted 75 guests at its first annual gala. The inaugural event raised $7 500. This year the foundation hopes between 125 and 150 guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres a silent auction and a live performance from the Four Knights. The goal is to raise $25 000 for the renovation of its building in historic Downtown Wilmington which will soon be a museum celebrating Wilmington’s African-American heritage. The party begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 11p.m. To reserve tickets please call John Battle at (910) 256-3404.

North Carolina Azalea Festival Pre-Festival Party

January 18 2008

Wilson’s Restaurant

As one of the main fundraisers for the North Carolina Azalea Festival the pre-festival party will kick off the 2008 Azalea Festival with food fun and lots of style. For more information call (910) 794-4650 or go to www.ncazaleafestival.org.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation’s Founders Gala

January 26 2008

TidalWalk A Seaside Community

The New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation serves up its ninth annual Founders Gala. Last year’s event raised $120 000. This year guests will be swept to Fantasy Island: A Night in the South Pacific where they will enjoy their favorite songs performed by Party on the Moon and participate in a live auction. This special event will help the medical center purchase VeinViewer technology and gaming systems for its new Betty H. Cameron Women and Children’s Hospital wing. Attendance is capped at 500 so reserve tickets early. To reserve tickets or receive information on sponsorship opportunities please call the medical center’s main office at (910) 815-5002 or visit www.nhrmcfoundation.org.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation’s Red Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show

February 1 2008

Holiday Inn SunSpree Wrightsville Beach

Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women. Each year nearly half a million women die from cardiovascular disease. In order to fund outreach activities and health screenings to identify women with risk factors the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation will be hosting its third annual Red Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show. This elegant fashion show and raffle is part of the national Heart Disease Awareness Month activities which educate women about heart disease. Last year the luncheon garnered $40 000; this year the medical foundation expects 400 guests to attend. To reserve tickets or for sponsorship opportunities please call the medical center’s main office at (910) 815-5002 or visit www.nhrmcfoundation.org.

Seaside Fashion Luncheons

February 2008

Blockade Runner Resort

When it debuted in the fall of 2007 this series of tearoom-style fashion luncheons was an instant success. Event organizers Mary Baggett Martin of the Blockade Runner and Wrightsville Beach Magazine and Lumina News publisher/editor Pat Bradford paired important nonprofits — such as the Domestic Violence Shelter and the Sea Turtle Rescue Project — with popular local clothing retailers and added wonderful food and great company. The result was a winning fundraising event each Wednesday for eight weeks. One hundred percent of the ticket price was passed on to the featured nonprofit. From children’s fashion to lingerie and everything in between these luncheons earned rave reviews. Don’t miss this season’s fashionably fabulous luncheon events. For more information or reservations call (910) 256-2251.

Rendezvous “Ocean”

February 2 2008

The Cape Fear Museum

For the fifth annual Rendezvous Cape Fear Museum Associates will hold a Gala Premiere in conjunction with the museum’s newest exhibit opening February 3 “OCEAN: Explore. Discover.” The theme of this year’s event will be movies about the ocean and ocean research. As they move from room to room guests will sample various styles of food as each room will present its own theme from a different movie and its own corresponding buffet. There will be live music and a silent auction. Last year’s gala raised $35 475 for Cape Fear Museum Associates. More than 200 guests are expected to attend this year and the proceeds will again go to the museum as it continues to share interesting and educational exhibits with the community. For more information call (910) 798-4364.

Chocolate Fantasy Adventure Preview Gala and Show

February 8-10 2008

New Hanover County Senior Center

This weekend-long event is presented by the Volunteer Older Citizens Action League (VOCAL). It all begins with a preview gala from 6-9 p.m. on Friday February 8. The evening will feature appetizers and heavy hors d’oeuvres from area wineries and fine restaurants and of course plenty of chocolates and desserts to sink your teeth into. Guests will enjoy jazz shopping raffles and a grand prize giveaway. The sweet treat doesn’t end there. Saturday and Sunday February 9 and 10 the sixth annual Chocolate Fantasy and Adventure Show will be underway with raffles and a Chinese auction. Booths from 25-30 local vendors will be set up with sweets galore for guests of all ages to sample and buy. All proceeds from the weekend will benefit the New Hanover County Department of Aging and will help to improve and continue programs for seniors such as Meals on Wheels the Foster Grandparent Program and many more. Tickets for the gala are $20 and tickets for the show are $5 in advance $8 at the door. For more information call (910) 798-6400.

2008 Cape Fear Heart Ball

February 16 2008

Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort

Every 34 seconds someone dies from cardiovascular disease. The Heart Ball is an annual black-tie event that raises awareness and funds research of cardiovascular disease the number one cause of death among both men and women. This year’s event carries a James Bond theme — “007: Because a heart is worth saving.” Filet mignon and lobster will be served at a sit-down
dinner (vegetarian alternatives will be offered as well). The event includes live music dancing live and silent auctions Master of Ceremonies Tom Morris and a keynote speaker. Last year’s event brought in more than $140 000 for the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association’s research and education programs. This year the associations have set a goal to raise $175 000 as well as a long-term goal to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke by 25 percent in 2010. Tickets to the ball are $200. For more information visit www.americanheart.org or call (910) 794-5507.

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington’s Circle of Friends Feeding Friend-zy

February 23 2008

Auction and dessert buffet location and time to be determined

Don’t miss the Circle of Friends one and only public event! For five years this nonprofit group consisting of 80 women has invited locals to host their own private dinner parties with friends and family members. All the parties meet in one location later that evening for an auction and a dessert buffet. Not only is this event a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with friends but it is also a chance to help the Children’s Museum of Wilmington with its operational expenses. Last year the 600-800 participants present for the dessert auction raised $65 000. To sign up to be a host or to become involved with Circle of Friends call Allison Farmer at (910) 799-5944 or visit The Children’s Museum of Wilmington’s Web site at www.playwilmington.org.

Cape Fear Literacy Council’s Mardi Gras Gala and Bid for Literacy Auction

March 1 2008

Coast Line Convention Center

In its 22nd year the Cape Fear Literacy Council’s annual Gala and Bid for Literacy Auction promises to be bigger and better than ever with music dancing and both live and silent auctions. The 2008 Gala is a festive Mardi Gras-themed affair featuring party attire and a wide variety of unique and eclectic auction items including vacations artwork from local artists and gift certificates to area merchants. Heavy hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants offer a taste of Wilmington. The CFLC relies on the proceeds from the gala for 25-30 percent of its annual revenue to support its adult literacy programs. For more information visit www.cfliteracy.org or call (910) 251-0911.

Landfall Foundation Gala

March 29

Country Club of Landfall

The 11th annual black-tie gala will be a festive evening to support the Landfall Foundation which will donate the proceeds to other charitable organizations in the community. The event will feature as always great food great music and a silent auction as well as a few surprises. All are welcome and invitations mailed out mid-February will announce this year’s unique theme. For more information visit www.landfallfoundation.org or e-mail Joanne Rothermel at www.jrothermel@ec.rr.com.

Sixteenth Annual Domestic Violence Fashion Show and Silent Auction

April 4 2008

Hilton Downtown

A full day of activities will make up this exciting event beginning with a luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and ending with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. Guests will be entertained with a silent auction and a fashion show. Vintage Values the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services Inc. thrift shop will provide all the clothes which will be modeled by celebrities and local talent. This is the largest fundraiser for the Domestic Violence Shelter with proceeds exceeding $60 000 in 2006. The shelter works toward the elimination of violence and oppression against women and their children. Tickets are $40 for lunch and $50 for dinner. For more information to donate auction items or to volunteer call Diane Lomas at (910) 343-9969 ext. 17.

Seventh Annual SunTrust Fashion Show and Silent Auction

April 9 2008

Country Club of Landfall

A social and silent auction will kick off this event to benefit the Child Advocacy and Parenting Place Exchange Club Center. Following the auction will be a light lunch and the very popular fashion show. More than 12 clothing vendors provided clothes for the show at last year’s event. The proceeds will help break the cycle of child abuse and neglect and strengthen families through education in-home intervention and community awareness. For more information call (910) 254-0798.

Historic Wilmington Foundation Home Tour

April 12-13 2008

Ribbon-cutting house to be determined

Since its formation in 1966 the Historic Wilmington Foundation has successfully saved more than 200 historic properties from demolition. One of its most successful fundraisers is the home tour. For $20 guests can enjoy ice cream at the ribbon-cutting house which will open at 12:30 p.m. Then from 1 to 6 p.m. guests will be guided through nine residential homes in Forest Hills and parts of historic Downtown Wilmington. All proceeds will benefit the Historic Wilmington Foundation’s efforts to protect and preserve historic buildings in Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear region. The Historic Wilmington Foundation Home Tour usually hosts more than 950 patrons so reserve tickets ahead of time by calling (910) 762-2511 or visit www.historicwilmington.org.

Making Legends Local – A Night at the Oscars

April 18 2008

Thalian Hall

For Making Legends Local — A Night at the Oscars’ fifth anniversary show guests can anticipate celebrity treatment! From 6 to 7:45 p.m. the Thalian Ballroom will host a Red Carpet Reception featuring live music a buffet presentation by 10-15 local restaurants and caterers and a silent auction from pre-show through intermission. The Carousel Center Carrying Children Beyond Abuse will once again present its feature piece of art of the year: A cold-cast sculpture by Jan M. Reid. At 8 p.m. guests will head to the theater where they will enjoy seeing impersonations of their favorite celebrities. This year the lineup will include Bing Crosby Patrick Swayze Liza Minelli Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke to name a few. All proceeds will benefit the Carousel Center Carrying Children Beyond Abuse and its extensive program to provide medical and therapeutic care to abused children throughout southeastern North Carolina. Last year the event raised $83 000 but tickets sold out early so to reserve reception tickets or receive more information about the Carousel Center Carrying Children Beyond Abuse call (910) 254-9898 or visit www.carouselcenter.org. To reserve general admission tickets call the Thalian Hall Box Office at (910) 343-3664 or toll free at 1-800-523-2820.

Roman Gabriel Celebrity Golf Tournament

April 25 and 27 2008

Echo Farms Golf & Country Club

Twenty-five years ago Roman Gabriel star quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams started an organization with some of his former New Hanover High School teammates to help fellow teammate Mac Williams with his medical expenses due to multiple sclerosis. Though Williams passed away in 2001 The Mac Williams Foundation Inc. has since grown and continues to provide financial support to victims of MS as well as scholarships to high school student athletes. This year at least 30 former star athletes will participate in the Roman Gabriel Celebrity Golf Tournament to support and promote the charity. The event kicks off Friday evening April 25 at the Elks Lodge with a dance and auction. Buddy Skipper and The Jetty Jumpers will be on hand to play live beach music while guests shag the night away. After a day of rest the event will continue on Sunday April 27 with the Celebrity Golf Tournament where each team will be captained by one of the celebrity guests. For more information contact Carolyn Strickland at (910) 343-3066.