Last Thursday was truly a special “Christmas in July”. The 10th annual event was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in New Bern. As a solo-entrepreneur, this mini trade show was created to bring my vendors into New Bern to give my clients a peek at what’s new and exciting in promotional items. And they loved it.
Three years ago, after visiting the Religious Community Services (RCS) soup kitchen and seeing their need for donations in the summertime, I added a food drive to the event. I have to say that I am positively overwhelmed by the community support for “Christmas in July”.
There are many folks I’d like to thank. First of all, Trent Olds Cadillac Buick GMC offered to fill up a brand new cherry red pick-up truck with watermelons from Garner Farms in Newport. You see, the requested price of admission was a donation to RCS of food, toiletries, or money. The watermelons were handed out to our guests in exchange for their donations to RCS and many people then decided to donate their watermelons as well. Thanks so much; every time I see a red pick-up truck now, I’ll be thinking of Trent!
Together, we collected a truck load of food, toiletries and over $500 in contributions for RCS the day of the event. Donations are still being collected at Kincaid Family Dentistry. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the response from our outstanding community.
To my Coastal Women’s Forum sisters and my Morning Exercise Pals, thank you for volunteering to help organize and run the event. These ladies provide a firm foundation of knowledge, caring, and support for me; I could not do it without them. And, I want to thank the staff of the DoubleTree for their always outstanding service and scrumptious food. What a pleasure to work with such positive professionals.
If you missed “Christmas in July” you may have seen Charlie Hall’s article about it in Friday’s paper and a marvelous picture of the New Bern umbrella. The umbrella has the New Bern Bear logo on the outside and when you open it there are pictures of New Bern on the inside. I have received many requests from folks who want one of those special umbrellas and I am currently working out the details. One thing I can say is that the purchase of each umbrella will include a donation to RCS.
Next year “Christmas in July” will be held Thursday, July 17, 2014 … please save the date.
I can honestly say that I am blessed to have found a home where the spirit of Christmas generosity lives year-round.
Sincerely,
Thea M. Kincaid
Thea’s Ideas