Albemarle Area United Way hosted its inaugural Keel Club Philanthropy Awards Dinner on November 7, honoring Bruce and Anna Biggs for their exceptional generosity and commitment to the community. Held at the Carolina Center, the evening also featured the presentation of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine—the highest civilian honor in North Carolina—to Bruce Biggs in recognition of his outstanding service and leadership.

Albemarle Area United Way launched the Community Care Collaborative (CCC), a faith-based initiative designed to help residents facing unexpected crises by connecting them with resources and support. Partnering with local churches and community volunteers in Camden and Pasquotank counties, the CCC aims to provide coordinated assistance and improve outcomes for individuals and families in need. Monica Oakes was hired to lead the new program.

Albemarle Area United Way exceeded its 2019 fundraising goal, raising more than $450,000 and marking its strongest campaign in years. Announced during the annual Campaign Kickoff and Awards Luncheon, the record-breaking effort will provide approximately $236,000 in support to partner agencies across the region. The milestone reflects the generosity of donors, workplace campaigns, and a growing number of Keel Club members committed to strengthening local communities.

Barrett McDougald, a 12-year-old Scout from Camden, NC, was honored with the Boy Scouts of America’s National Certificate of Merit for rescuing a 7-year-old boy from drowning. Drawing on skills learned through Scouting, Barrett acted quickly during a swim evaluation, diving into deep water and bringing the child safely to the pool’s edge. His courage, quick thinking, and selfless actions exemplify the values of Scouting and community service.

Albemarle Area United Way is joining United Ways nationwide to celebrate National 2-1-1 Day and raise awareness of NC 2-1-1, a free, confidential service that connects residents with local resources. Available 24/7, NC 2-1-1 helps people find assistance with food, housing, utilities, healthcare, employment, and disaster-related needs. A simple call to 2-1-1 can connect individuals and families to vital support throughout North Carolina.

Girl Scout Senior Madison Pugh earned her Silver Award through her “Chemo-Care Kits” project, providing comfort bags to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Inspired by the impact cancer has had on friends and family, Madison assembled 50 care kits filled with thoughtful items and encouraging messages. Her project brought comfort to patients, addressed a community need, and inspired others to continue supporting those facing cancer.

Albemarle Area United Way celebrated its strongest fundraising campaign in five years, raising $305,321 and investing $187,078 back into local nonprofit partners. Growth in donor participation, Keel Club membership, and new initiatives such as Bocce, Beer & Bites and Small Biz United helped drive the record-setting year. The organization also outlined ambitious plans to expand community impact through education, 2-1-1 awareness, and the Community Care Collaborative.

Join Albemarle Area United Way for the 2018 Awards & Campaign Kickoff Luncheon featuring guest speaker Dr. Karrie G. Dixon, Interim Chancellor of Elizabeth City State University. The event celebrates community impact through the presentation of the Spirit of Giving, Partner Agency of the Year, and Spirit of Community awards while launching the next United Way campaign to support programs and services across the region.

Albemarle Area United Way celebrated the growth of its Keel Club leadership donors while announcing Bill Blake as its permanent Executive Director. Since joining the organization, Blake has helped expand donor engagement, launch new initiatives such as Small Business United, and introduce the Bocce, Beer & Bites fundraising event. The celebration recognized the power of community leadership and the positive momentum driving United Way’s mission across northeastern North Carol