Tripp presented the checks for $1,250 each today at the sheriff’s office in Halifax, two days after the Benefiting the Children event in Roanoke Rapids.
“We had a sold out event,” Tripp said. “Even with the storm we had the house packed to capacity. Legacy put on an excellent show.”
Tripp said he was appreciative of the generosity of county residents, which over the course of four major events have helped raise more than $36,000 for organizations which help children.
He has already set a date — April 28 — for next year’s event and expects to have it at the American Legion.
“It’s humbling,” Tripp said of the outpouring. “For Halifax being a Tier 1 county, I’m blessed to know when we have an event, people come out and do what’s right. Halifax County has been good to me. It’s my way of saying, ‘thank, you.’”
Forty sponsors of the seafood festival donated $500 and the event drew people from across the county. “I am proud of the support countywide,” the sheriff said.
For those the event helped, there was heartfelt appreciation as the checks were passed out.
“The sheriff is like Santa Claus,” said Doris Mack, who runs System of Care-Families Supporting Families in Roanoke Rapids. “He also helps keep our food pantry filled. He has certainly been good to System of Care-Families Supporting Families.”
Roanoke Rapids Mayor Pro Tem Carl Ferebee accepted a check which will be allocated to the budget for repairs to the Chaloner Recreation Center pool. “It’s been a struggle but we’re well on the way. I would like to thank Sheriff Wes Tripp for his continuous effort and giving back to the county and benefitting the children of Halifax County and including donating some funds toward the Chaloner pool renovation effort. It is highly appreciated.”
Kathleen Robinson’s Camp Save a Child through her Lighthouse Ministries was another recipient. “This donation. Oh, my God, it will help feed people, it will do a lot of things. Really this is like having a million bucks.”
Mildred Moore has run the Scotland Neck Education and Resource Foundation for 20 years, an after-school program which feeds children and provides them a safe haven. “It helps our program. Also, this will help us without having to do a lot of fundraising.”
The Roanoke Rapids Youth Baseball Association reaches some 350 to 400 children in Halifax and Northampton counties, its president, Todd Lockamon said. “It’s spent on the kids. We’ve been improving Ledgerwood Field for the last three years. Where our older kids play, we need a batting cage.”
Project Graduation at Roanoke Rapids High is another organization assisted by Saturday’s event.
It is an event which brings graduating seniors together after commencement, Cindy White said. “The kids really enjoy Project Graduation. This donation helps out.”
Chester Williams accepted a donation on behalf of the Halifax County Recreation Advisory Board. “Thank you for your donation,” he told the sheriff. “This definitely helps our grassroots advisory board.”
Michael Richardson and Chief Ogletree Richardson accepted a donation on behalf of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School.
Richardson, who serves as chair of the board of directors, said, “This will help our seniors in their senior projects this year.”