Mike Parker: Time to support ‘Wings Over the Neuse’ once again
I was not on the CSS Neuse Foundation Board when the first “Wings Over the Neuse” fundraiser took place. In 2009, board members decided to raise the funds needed to place a monument to Alton “Doc” Stapleford to recognize and honor all the work and supervision he provided during the construction of the CSS Neuse II. That fundraiser proved successful. The next time you visit the Neuse II, check out the memorial honoring Alton.
Alton had just retired from his business in 2002 as a master boatbuilder when Ted Sampley was looking for someone to take charge of constructing the replica gunboat. Most people thought Ted had lost his mind when he suggested building a full-scale replica of the CSS Ram Neuse on the corner of Herritage and Gordon streets.
When Alton agreed to become involved in the project, the snickers stopped – and the work began. From 2002 to 2009, Alton and community volunteers showed up to make Ted’s vision a reality. Alton completed his part of the project in 2009. He passed away on July 15, 2010. Ted had passed away a little more than a year before Alton.
When I became involved with the CSS Neuse Foundation in 2012, I learned early about the importance of what has become the foundation’s most critical fundraiser – “Wings Over the Neuse.” This year marks the 18th edition of “Wings.”
During “Wings,” the foundation seeks sponsors from community businesses, organizations, and individuals. Sponsors can pick from three sponsorship levels.
Silver sponsors donate at least $100. The silver sponsor receives at least two weeks of advertising on a banner with other silver sponsors. The silver sponsor can either have up to five wing plates delivered or pick up the plates at the Lenoir County Farmers Market.
A gold sponsor donates at least $250. Gold sponsors receive at least two weeks of recognition on a banner with one other gold sponsor. Gold sponsors can also have up to 12 wing plates delivered or pick them up at the Farmers Market.
The top level of sponsorship is platinum. Platinum sponsors donate at least $500. They receive recognition on a banner that bears only their name and logo, and they may pick up or have delivered up to 25 wing plates.
The foundation asks that all sponsors who plan to pick up plates arrange pickup by 1 p.m.
Last year, we had 98 paying sponsors and 17 in-kind sponsors.
The money the foundation raises does not go into anyone’s pocket. All board members are unpaid volunteers. All docents are unpaid volunteers. Many board members dip into their pockets to purchase items needed to maintain the CSS Neuse II and never ask for reimbursement.
However, the foundation does have expenses. Insurance runs nearly $5,600 per year. City utility costs are roughly $180 per month. We must replace light bulbs, and when flags wear out, we must replace them as well.
From the beginning, the CSS Neuse II has been a community project. Whether the support has been financial or sweat equity, the citizens of Kinston and Lenoir County have repeatedly demonstrated that this project is important to them.
The Neuse II brings tourism to our community. The Neuse II has drawn visitors from as far away as the Philippines, Israel, and Ireland. People from all 50 U.S. states have come aboard the Neuse II. In the typical year, roughly 4,500 to 5,000 people walk the decks of the Neuse II.
Please step up again this year and support the foundation’s work. If you need a sponsorship form, send me an email, and I will send the form you need.
If you have time on Friday, September 11, to volunteer for this event, the foundation would be most appreciative. Cooking 5,000-plus wings on-site, as well as making plates and scheduling deliveries, is a great deal of work.
If you want to donate but not sponsor, you may send your donation to The CSS Neuse Foundation at PO Box 251, Kinston, NC 28502-0251.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Mike Parker, who serves on the board of the CSS Neuse Foundation, is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
